Texas House Bill HJR103

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment repealing county authority to provide for manual labor poor houses and farms.

Impact

Should HJR103 pass, it would significantly impact the way counties can assist impoverished residents through manual labor programs. The absence of manual labor poor houses and farms could change the landscape of county-level welfare initiatives, potentially reducing options available for providing support to those in need. Additionally, it may shift the responsibility for addressing poverty more heavily onto state or private organizations, or it could lead to a reduction in the services offered to low-income individuals.

Summary

HJR103 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at repealing the authority of counties in Texas to establish manual labor poor houses and farms. This bill seeks to eliminate provisions from Section 14 of Article IX of the Texas Constitution, which currently allows counties to create such facilities. The intent of the bill appears to align with a broader trend of welfare reform by limiting government-sponsored assistance structures.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HJR103 revolves around the implications of repealing such powers from local governments. Proponents argue that the current system has become outdated and ineffective, advocating for reforms that favor more sustainable and productive solutions to poverty. Conversely, opponents may express concerns that repealing county authority could leave vulnerable populations without necessary assistance and lead to increased reliance on state-level interventions, which might not be as efficiently tailored to local needs.