Texas Senate Bill SB806

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a report concerning, and actions by certain state officers regarding, federal money provided to this state that is subject to a coercive federal condition.

Impact

The enactment of SB806 could significantly reshape the financial landscape of state funding by promoting collaboration among states to resist federal conditions seen as coercive. This could lead to a more united front among states in negotiating federal funds. The bill articulates a clear policy against what it deems unconstitutional federal financial conditions, positioning Texas to potentially invoke legal actions against such conditions.

Summary

SB806 seeks to address the state's response to federal funding that is conditioned upon stipulations deemed coercive. The bill mandates the Legislative Budget Board to compile a report on federal money provided to Texas that surpasses $5 million, which includes conditions imposed by the federal government for the receipt of such funds. This report will detail the implications of these funding conditions and classify them according to their nature, potentially impacting how state funds are managed and reported.

Contention

Within discussions surrounding SB806, notable contentions emerged regarding the interpretation of 'coercive federal conditions'. Critics may argue that while seeking to protect state autonomy, the bill could lead to reduced federal funding for essential programs, affecting state residents. Supporters, however, contend that the bill is a necessary assertion of state sovereignty, rallying against federal overreach in financial matters that affect state governance and operations.