Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB594

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB 594 are significant for the state's fiscal policies and budget planning. By enforcing growth limits on appropriations, the bill aims to prevent excessive budget increases that could lead to potential financial shortfalls in state revenue. Furthermore, it promotes a stricter review process by the Legislative Budget Board, which must determine the appropriate growth rates based on reliable statistical data. This could lead to a more sustainable budget framework that is responsive to actual economic conditions, ensuring state resources are utilized more efficiently.

Summary

House Bill 594 establishes a limit on the rate of growth of certain appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by the constitution and consolidated general revenue appropriations. The bill mandates that the growth rate of these appropriations in any given state fiscal biennium cannot exceed the estimated growth rate of the state's economy and the average biennial rate of population growth adjusted for inflation. This legislative measure is aimed at ensuring that government spending remains in line with economic expansion, striving to maintain fiscal discipline within state spending practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HB 594 aims to instill fiscal responsibility regarding the growth of state appropriations. Its efficacy will largely depend on how well the Legislative Budget Board can assess and react to the state’s economic indicators. The bill, while fostering a disciplined economic approach, also challenges legislators to balance budgetary constraints with the necessity for proactive governance in addressing Ongoing community needs.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill may stir up points of contention, particularly regarding the balance between economic growth and necessary public spending. Critics may argue that such strict limits could inhibit the state's ability to respond to urgent fiscal needs or emergency situations, such as natural disasters or economic downturns. Furthermore, the limitations on growth rates could disproportionately affect regions experiencing rapid population increases or specific sectors that require additional investment to maintain infrastructure and public services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 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.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an 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 ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Similar Bills

TX SB9

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 HB2304

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 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 SB9

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