Texas House Bill HB4159

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to state programs not funded by appropriations.

Impact

If enacted, HB4159 would amend Section 403.0147 of the Government Code, introducing a provision that allows state agencies to refrain from implementing programs that have been identified in the two most recent reports and for which there is no current appropriation. This change could lead to significant shifts in how state agencies prioritize their activities and manage their resources, potentially enhancing fiscal responsibility.

Summary

House Bill 4159 proposes changes related to state programs that are not funded by appropriations. The primary intent behind the bill is to streamline state operations by eliminating mandatory governmental programs for which no funding has been allocated in the current fiscal year. The legislation emphasizes efficiency in government by addressing programs deemed unnecessary due to lack of financial support.

Contention

The bill raises important discussions around the scope of state-funded programs and the responsibility of state agencies to implement services that may not have guaranteed funding. Opponents of the bill might argue that eliminating programs prematurely, without proper review, could neglect essential services that rely on past approvals and could leave gaps in public service delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations.