Texas Senate Bill SJR25

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

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.