TX
Texas Senate Bill SJR7

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR7

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations for reducing state debt from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Impact

If passed, SJR7 would provide a mechanism for the state to create appropriations that are excluded from the general rule governing the growth of state tax revenues. This would allow the legislature to allocate more funds specifically aimed at reducing state debt without being restricted by the estimated growth rates of the economy. Such an amendment is expected to have a positive impact on the state's financial health by enabling more aggressive actions towards paying off debts, potentially leading to lower interest obligations in the future.

Summary

SJR7 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that seeks to amend Section 22(a), Article VIII of the Texas Constitution. The main objective of the bill is to except certain appropriations intended to reduce state debt from the existing constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations from state tax revenues, thereby allowing for increased flexibility in managing state finances. This change is particularly significant as it aims to address the financial constraints imposed by the constitutional limit and provide the legislature with more authority in terms of budgetary decisions aimed at debt reduction.

Contention

Historically, discussions around constitutional amendments like SJR7 often include debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the role of the state in managing its debts. Advocates for the bill argue that allowing for exceptions in the appropriations limit is a prudent move to ensure the state's long-term financial stability. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential for misuse or misallocation of funds, arguing that such flexibility could lead to financial imbalance if not managed properly. The temporary nature of the provision until December 1, 2017, also adds a layer of complexity concerning the bill's longevity and its potential to be further debated in subsequent legislative sessions.

Latest TX SJR7 Activity

View All Events: TX 2015 - 84th Regular SJR7

Companion Bills

TX SB101

Enabled by Relating to excepting certain appropriations from computations regarding the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR106

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations for reducing state debt from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR164

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, to provide supplemental payments to full-time classroom teachers in school districts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, to establish the property tax relief to rental households fund and authorize the legislature to provide payments to rental households from that fund based on a proportion of rent paid, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief and property tax relief payments to rental households from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

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