Texas Senate Bill SJR15

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the appropriation of certain surplus state revenue for the purpose of reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.

Impact

If enacted, SJR15 would have a significant impact on state laws pertaining to tax appropriations and education funding. By establishing a mechanism for allocating surplus state revenue towards education-related tax reductions, the measure could decrease the financial burden on district residents. This change is particularly important in the context of rising education expenses and seeks to provide relief for taxpayers while ensuring that school districts maintain adequate operational funding.

Summary

SJR15 is a Senate Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to provide for the appropriation of specific surplus state revenue to reduce ad valorem taxes for school district maintenance and operations. The resolution specifies that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will allocate surplus tax revenues that are neither constitutionally nor statutorily dedicated, directing 90% of the excess revenue to a newly created tax reduction and excellence in education fund. This fund will be utilized to lower the operational tax rates of school districts across Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR15 include concerns about the reliability of surplus revenues, potential impacts on overall state budget allocations, and the control over education funding. Critics may argue that the reliance on surplus revenue is fiscally irresponsible, particularly in economic downturns when such surpluses may not be available. Additionally, debates are likely to arise regarding the appropriateness of constitutional amendments directly linked to tax policy, especially those that could alter the stability and predictability of school funding.