TX
Texas House Bill HB41

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB41

Caption

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Impact

The fiscal implications of HB 41 could be considerable, affecting how the Texas Legislature plans its budgets going forward. By tying appropriations to the economic growth rate, the bill could constrain state spending, especially in times when economic growth is stagnant. This could lead to more stringent budgetary measures and potentially impact funding for various state programs and services. Furthermore, the requirement for the Legislative Budget Board to evaluate and establish limits based on this economic metric adds a layer of oversight to the budgeting process.

Summary

House Bill 41 proposes significant amendments to the Texas Government Code, specifically addressing the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations. The primary aim of the bill is to ensure that the growth of appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by the constitution does not exceed the estimated rate of growth of the state's economy. Additionally, it establishes a similar growth limit for consolidated general revenue appropriations, which includes funds from general revenue accounts and accounts related to general revenue. This legislative measure seeks to align state spending with economic growth, promoting fiscal responsibility within state budgeting practices.

Contention

While proponents of HB 41 argue it is essential for maintaining fiscal discipline and preventing government overspending, critics may view it as a constriction on the government's ability to respond to emergent needs or economic fluctuations. There are concerns that such a rigid framework could hinder the state's capacity to provide adequate funding during crises or to invest in long-term projects that do not immediately reflect economic growth but are nonetheless vital for community well-being. Legislative debates are likely to center on balancing fiscal restraint with the need for responsive and flexible state governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR164

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Similar Bills

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and appropriations of constitutionally dedicated revenue.

TX HB127

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB2304

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB936

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB1025

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations for certain categories of spending.

TX HB594

Relating to a limit on the rate of growth of certain appropriations.