86R242 CJC-D
By: Cain H.J.R. No. 138
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment regarding limits on the rate
of growth of spending by the state and certain political
subdivisions of the state.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article VIII, Texas Constitution, is amended by
amending Section 22 and adding Section 22-a to read as follows:
Sec. 22. (a) The [In no biennium shall the] rate of growth
of appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this
constitution may not for any state fiscal biennium exceed the
estimated rate of growth of this state's population, adjusted by
the estimated rate of monetary inflation in this state [the state's
economy]. The legislature shall provide by general law procedures
to implement this subsection.
(b) If the legislature by adoption of a resolution approved
by a record vote of a majority of the members of each house finds
that an emergency exists and identifies the nature of the
emergency, the legislature may provide for appropriations in excess
of the amount authorized by Subsection (a) of this section. The
excess amount authorized under this subsection may not exceed the
amount specified in the resolution.
(c) In no case shall appropriations exceed revenues as
provided by Section 49a, [in] Article III, [Section 49a,] of this
constitution. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter,
amend, or repeal Section 49a, Article III, [Section 49a,] of this
constitution.
Sec. 22-a. (a) Unless additional expenditures are
authorized by a majority of the political subdivision's voters
voting at an election called for that purpose, the rate of growth of
a political subdivision's total expenditures from all available
sources of revenue in a fiscal year may not exceed the estimated
rate of growth of this state's population, adjusted by the
estimated rate of monetary inflation in this state.
(b) This section does not apply to a political subdivision
that does not impose taxes or incur debt.
(c) The legislature by general law shall provide procedures
to implement this section.
SECTION 2. The following temporary provision is added to
the Texas Constitution:
TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) This temporary provision applies
to the constitutional amendment proposed by the 86th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2019, regarding limits on the rate of growth of
spending by the state and certain political subdivisions of the
state.
(b) The amendments to Section 22, Article VIII, of this
constitution apply only in relation to appropriations made for a
state fiscal biennium beginning on or after September 1, 2021.
(c) Section 22-a, Article VIII, of this constitution takes
effect January 1, 2020, and applies only to a fiscal year of a
political subdivision beginning on or after that date.
(d) This temporary provision expires January 1, 2022.
SECTION 3. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2019.
The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment regarding limits on the
rate of growth of spending by the state and certain political
subdivisions of the state."