Texas House Bill HJR13

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allocate a portion of oil and gas production tax revenue to the counties from which the oil and gas originated.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would enable counties to receive funding that is directly correlated to the oil and gas resources extracted within their borders. This could lead to significant improvements in local infrastructure, facilitating better connectivity and safety on roads that are heavily used by oil and gas operations. Moreover, this funding could be crucial for counties that might struggle to manage the costs associated with increased traffic and wear on public infrastructure resulting from oil and gas activities.

Summary

HJR13 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas Legislature to allocate a portion of oil and gas production tax revenue to the counties from which the oil and gas originated. This measure is designed to address the impact of oil and gas exploration and production on local infrastructure, particularly county roads and bridges. By providing financial resources directly related to the extraction activities taking place within a county, the bill aims to enhance the maintenance and construction of critical infrastructure that supports both the local economy and safe transportation.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face opposition from those who are concerned about the over-dependence of county funding on fluctuating oil and gas revenues. Critics argue that relying on such revenue can create budgetary instability in the long run, potentially compromising essential services in times of economic downturn. Additionally, there are questions regarding how the allocation will be administered and whether all counties will have equal access to these resources, considering some areas may be more affected by oil and gas activities than others.