Texas House Bill HB114

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the allocation of certain revenue from the cigarette tax to the foundation school fund and increasing the rate of that tax.

Impact

The alterations proposed in HB 114 are significant in the realm of state tax law, potentially affecting both smokers and educational funding in Texas. By raising the cigarette tax, the bill aims to generate additional revenue for public schools, which could help mitigate some of the financial strains currently faced by educational institutions. Conversely, critics may argue that increasing taxes on cigarettes could disproportionately affect low-income individuals who are more likely to smoke, raising questions about equity and the broader social implications of such a tax.

Summary

House Bill 114 is a legislative measure aimed at increasing the state cigarette tax and reallocating certain revenues generated from this tax to enhance funding for the foundation school fund and the property tax relief fund. Specifically, the bill modifies the tax rates on cigarettes, establishing a new rate structure that includes a higher base rate than previously applied. The increase in the cigarette tax is positioned as a pivotal step toward bolstering school funding, which has been a point of ongoing discussion and concern among legislators due to the critical role that educational funding plays in the state.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 114 could highlight contentious opinions, especially regarding the balance between increasing revenue for essential services like education and the fairness of imposing higher taxes on specific demographics. Supporters of the bill advocate for the necessity of funding education through alternative revenue sources as state budgets face constraints, whereas opponents might express concerns about the reliance on tobacco taxes and its implications for public health. As such, HB 114 may become a focal point for debates on economic policy, public health, and educational financing.