Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1804

Caption

Relating to public health and safety; authorizing the imposition of a tax.

Impact

The implementation of SB1804 will affect state laws by allowing local jurisdictions to impose a sales and use tax, with a cap not exceeding two percent. This provision aims to empower local governments to generate revenue for health-related programs, which could lead to improved public services in areas such as family violence prevention and healthcare access. However, while the legislative framework for this change is set, the actual impact will depend on local authorities' decisions to invoke the tax, which could create disparities among districts based on their economic and health service needs.

Summary

SB1804 is a legislative act that relates to public health and safety, specifically authorizing the imposition of a tax to support various health-related initiatives. The bill introduces a framework within the state tax code for the imposition of additional sales and use taxes by certain districts, with revenues aimed at funding public health initiatives and services. This measure is particularly significant as it provides districts with the ability to address specific local health needs and funding shortfalls through local taxation, linking public safety and health to local financial mechanisms.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB1804 is mixed. Proponents argue that it provides essential funding for local health initiatives that can decrease crime and improve public health outcomes, particularly concerning family violence. They see this as a necessary step towards enhancing community safety and wellness. Conversely, opponents may express concerns about increased taxation and potential overreach of government powers into local finance, cautioning that local communities might struggle with the additional financial burden, putting pressure on economically vulnerable populations.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB1804 include the degree of local autonomy in tax imposition and the challenges that different districts may face in implementing and managing new tax structures. There are concerns that while the bill aims to promote health and safety, it could inadvertently burden lower-income areas disproportionately, which might already be strained under existing tax obligations. Additionally, the effectiveness of utilizing tax revenue specifically for public health initiatives, as outlined in the bill, raises questions regarding the accountability and potential misuse of these funds.

Latest TX SB1804 Activity

View All Events: TX 2019 - 86th Regular SB1804

Companion Bills

TX HB4751

Same As Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond imposed in criminal cases involving family violence.

Previously Filed As

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX SB2

Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2

TX HB3

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.