Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
Impact
If enacted, this constitutional amendment could significantly shift the dynamics of how tax policy is formulated and approved in Texas. By elevating the threshold for tax-related legislation, the state could see a reduced pace of tax increases due to the higher requirement for legislative consensus. This could lead to more stability in tax rates, potentially affecting state revenue streams and budget planning as policymakers adjust to the new framework for tax legislation. Furthermore, it could complicate fiscal policy discussions, especially during economic downturns when tax increases might be necessary.
Summary
SJR27 proposes a constitutional amendment that requires a two-thirds majority approval from all elected members of each house of the Texas Legislature for any bill that imposes a new state tax or increases the rate of an existing state tax. By amending Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, this legislation aims to ensure a higher level of scrutiny and consensus before any alterations are made to state tax policies, essentially empowering the legislature against potential taxation changes with less than broad support.
Contention
Debate around SJR27 is likely to revolve around concerns of representation and government accountability. Proponents may argue that requiring a two-thirds vote fosters a sense of fiscal responsibility and prevents hasty tax increases. Critics, however, could contend that such a requirement may hinder necessary revenue generation, particularly in the face of pressing public needs and services. Additionally, the implications for local taxation power are notable, as the bill does not apply to taxes imposed by local political subdivisions, which could lead to disparities in tax authority and efficacy between state and local governments.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring elections on proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution to be held in November of even-numbered years.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for exceptions to the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the secretary of state to be elected by the qualified voters at a general election instead of appointed by the governor.