Texas House Bill HJR116

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the legislature to provide for the reimbursement of certain political subdivisions for the implementation of laws that establish, expand, or modify a duty or activity that requires the political subdivisions to spend revenue.

Impact

If enacted, HJR116 would significantly affect how state legislation interacts with local government finances. Specifically, it requires that any new state laws, effective from January 1, 2022, that impose spending requirements on local entities must include provisions for the reimbursement of those costs. This could potentially limit the frequency of unfunded mandates, where local governments are required to fulfill certain functions without additional state funding, thereby enhancing the financial stability of such political subdivisions.

Summary

HJR116 proposes a constitutional amendment to mandate the Texas legislature to reimburse political subdivisions for costs incurred due to state laws that require these subdivisions to establish, expand, or modify any duties or activities. This amendment is intended to streamline the financial obligations of local governments by ensuring they receive financial support from the state when new laws place additional burdens on them. It seeks to establish clearer guidelines on fiscal responsibilities and promote fairness in the relationship between state and local governance.

Contention

Relevant discussions around HJR116 may highlight differing viewpoints regarding the balance of power between state and local governments. Supporters of the bill argue that it protects local taxpayer interests by preventing the imposition of unfunded mandates that could lead to financial strain on municipalities. Conversely, critics might raise concerns about the implications of such reimbursement requirements for state budgeting and the potential hindrance of legislative actions that could benefit the public, particularly when local governments may resist certain reforms due to associated costs.