TX
Texas House Bill HB3548

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3548

Caption

Relating to a limit on the rate of growth of certain appropriations.

Impact

The implications of HB 3548 are significant for state fiscal policy, as it mandates a more structured approach to budget growth, aiming to align spending more closely with the actual growth of the state's economy. This could lead to a tighter fiscal environment, particularly during periods of economic downturn, as growth in appropriations would be limited to the growth rate of the economy, thus potentially restricting funding for various public services, including education and healthcare, unless overridden by a specified legislative processes such as an emergency resolution.

Summary

House Bill 3548 is focused on establishing limits on the rate of growth of certain state appropriations in Texas. Specifically, the bill amends existing code to ensure that appropriations from state tax revenues that are not dedicated by the constitution do not exceed the estimated rate of growth of the state's economy. Furthermore, it sets stipulations on how growth in consolidated general revenue appropriations is calculated, which includes factors like population growth and inflation rates, effectively curbing spending based on these economic indicators. The aim of this legislation is to maintain fiscal discipline and responsibility within the state's budgeting system.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 3548 is its potential impact on local governance and state-funded programs. Critics argue that such strict limitations on appropriations could hinder the state's ability to respond to unforeseen economic challenges or needs for increased funding in critical areas such as disaster recovery and public health. Additionally, while the bill provides frameworks for excluding certain expenditures from the growth calculations, its restrictive nature has raised concerns among some lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding its long-term effects on public services and infrastructure investments.

Companion Bills

TX SB1336

Same As Relating to a limit on the rate of growth of certain appropriations.

Previously Filed As

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR164

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.

TX HB33

Relating to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes through the use of certain surplus state revenue.

TX HB18

Relating to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes through the use of certain surplus state revenue.

Similar Bills

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and appropriations of constitutionally dedicated revenue.

TX HB127

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB41

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB2304

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB936

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB1025

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations for certain categories of spending.