Texas House Bill HJR122

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the legislature to provide for the reimbursement of certain political subdivisions for the implementation of laws that establish, expand, or modify a duty or activity that requires the expenditure of revenue.

Impact

The implications of HJR122 are significant as it introduces specific procedures for legislative bills that require political subdivisions to spend revenue. If passed, the legislature must either appropriate funds, enable local entities to impose fees, or provide alternative reimbursement sources. This change could lead to more cautious legislation at the state level, encouraging a collaborative approach to fiscal decisions between the state and local entities.

Summary

HJR122 proposes a constitutional amendment that mandates the Texas legislature to provide reimbursement to certain political subdivisions for implementing laws that establish, expand, or modify duties or activities that require expenditure of revenue. This bill aims to ensure that local governments are not left to bear the financial burden of new requirements imposed by state legislation. It highlights the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability, ensuring that state mandates do not negatively impact local budgets.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HJR122 is its potential limitation on legislative actions. Critics may argue that the requirements to reimburse local governments could hinder the state's ability to enact necessary laws that require local compliance, particularly in areas like education, public safety, and health. Balancing local needs with state governance introduces debates about the efficacy of central control versus local autonomy in managing public services.