Texas House Bill HB4240

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the consideration of revenue anticipated to be derived from criminal fines in planning for the state budget.

Impact

The implications of HB4240 are substantial for the state's financial landscape. By prohibiting the use of anticipated criminal fine revenue, the bill could lead to more conservative estimates in budget proposals, thus potentially preventing budget deficits that arise from overestimating such revenues. This shift reflects a growing concern over the ethical implications of relying on fines, which can disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. The uprooting of this practice may contribute to a reformative approach that prioritizes more stable and ethically sound revenue sources.

Summary

House Bill 4240 introduces a significant change in how Texas approaches the incorporation of revenue from criminal fines in its state budget planning. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Legislative Budget Board shall not consider any anticipated revenue from criminal fines when determining appropriations in the preparation of the general appropriations bill. This restriction aims to ensure that the budgeting process does not rely on revenue streams that may be unpredictable or controversial, thereby promoting a more stable financial planning approach for state expenditures.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance financial accountability, it may also draw criticism and contention from various stakeholders, particularly those who generate revenue from the imposition of fines. Critics may argue that this could limit resources available for specific funds, meant for programs that assist in law enforcement or community services. Furthermore, the allowance for individuals fined to bring lawsuits to challenge the use of those funds in budget planning introduces a new layer of legal complexity that could result in litigation and could challenge the flow of state revenue based on judicial outcomes.