Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring that any appropriations in excess of the constitutional spending limit be approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
Impact
If enacted, SJR25 would significantly alter the process by which the Texas legislature can approve expenditures that exceed constitutional limits. Currently, certain appropriations can be enacted under emergency conditions without this heightened approval. Under the proposed amendment, however, these excess appropriations would no longer bypass the stringent voting requirement. This change could lead to a more careful consideration of fiscal policy as lawmakers would need to garner substantial bipartisan support for any significant spending initiatives.
Summary
SJR25 proposes a constitutional amendment to address appropriations exceeding the existing constitutional spending limit in Texas. The amendment requires that any such appropriations be approved by a two-thirds vote of all elected members in both houses of the legislature. This change aims to strengthen legislative control over fiscal matters and ensure that financial commitments beyond established limits receive broader consensus among lawmakers.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SJR25 may highlight concerns over the potential for delays in emergency funding due to the new voting requirements. Critics might argue that the amendment could hinder the state's ability to respond swiftly to emergencies that necessitate immediate fiscal action. On the other hand, supporters argue that it promotes fiscal responsibility and accountability, ensuring that any deviations from established budgetary constraints are thoroughly vetted and agreed upon by a large majority of legislators.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring that any appropriations in excess of the constitutional spending limit be approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the secretary of state to be elected by the qualified voters at a general election instead of appointed by the governor.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the time that a person may serve as a member of the Texas Legislature or as a statewide elected officer in the executive branch.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring elections on proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution to be held in November of even-numbered years.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.