Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.
Impact
This amendment has significant implications for the budgeting process in Texas. By instituting a requirement for an annual budget, it seeks to create a more structured and predictable fiscal framework. The legislature's ability to enact an effective budget within a defined timeframe could enhance financial planning and accountability, especially when it comes to managing state resources and expenditures. Notably, the bill excludes certain measures from being introduced or discussed during budget sessions, limiting legislative activity to budget appropriations or emergency matters as pointed out by the governor.
Summary
HJR53 is a proposed constitutional amendment in Texas aimed at establishing an annual state budget and mandate annual legislative sessions specifically for budgetary purposes. It proposes modifications to the Texas Constitution, ensuring that the legislature meets every odd-numbered year for regular sessions and every even-numbered year for budget sessions. Additionally, the bill sets clear parameters regarding the types of matters that can be discussed during budget sessions, focusing mainly on appropriations and transfers of state money.
Contention
Despite its aims to promote fiscal responsibility, HJR53 may face opposition from those who argue that it could severely restrict legislative flexibility. Critics might claim that confining discussions during budget sessions to only appropriation-related issues could impede the legislature's ability to adapt to urgent or emerging policy matters. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the procedural changes, such as the potential for this structure to limit local control over budgetary matters and disproportionately impact certain areas over others.
Enabled by
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas land and water conservation fund to assist in preserving critical natural resources in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of certain sales and use tax revenue to a special fund established in the state treasury to pay for water infrastructure in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.