Texas House Bill HB3849

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.

Impact

The bill's enactment implies significant changes to how state revenue is allocated and managed. With the dissolution of various special funds, the unallocated revenues will be redirected to the general revenue fund, potentially enhancing flexibility in budgetary decisions for the legislature. By prioritizing the operational efficiency of funds management, this bill allows for better fiscal discipline and focused funding streams for state agencies. However, it may reduce the specificity and appropriateness of funding for some local initiatives which had previously been relied upon for targeted programs.

Summary

House Bill 3849 addresses the creation and management of funds and accounts within the state government, specifically focusing on the dedication and rededication of revenue. The bill seeks to streamline fund management by abolishing various accounts created or modified by the 85th Legislature unless specifically exempted. This means funds or accounts established under certain acts in the 2017 session will be dissolved unless they meet the criteria laid out in this legislation. This is aimed at more effective use of state resources, allowing for a more centralized budget approach and reducing fiscal complexity.

Sentiment

Legislative sentiment around HB 3849 generally appears supportive, as it was passed with significant bipartisan backing evidenced by a vote of 29 to 2 in the Senate and unanimous approval in the House. Proponents highlighted the necessity of modernizing the management of state funds to improve accountability and financial governance. Conversely, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on localized funding initiatives, suggesting that the move towards a more centralized fund strategy could overlook tailored approaches required by certain communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill included debates over the impact of abolishing specific funds. Critics expressed caution regarding the potential loss of funding for dedicated projects that serve crucial local needs, such as those related to public health and infrastructure. Additionally, the bill's provisions for exceptions were scrutinized for their vagueness and the potential for loopholes that could lead to inconsistent fund management practices. As state legislators balanced operational needs against community-specific demands, this tension highlighted broader discussions about governance and the allocation of resources.