88R15332 BEE-D
By: Parker S.J.R. No. 74
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of
the centennial parks conservation fund to be administered by the
Parks and Wildlife Department.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by
adding Section 49-e-1 to read as follows:
Sec. 49-e-1. (a) The centennial parks conservation fund is
created as a special fund in the state treasury outside the general
revenue fund. Money in the centennial parks conservation fund
shall be administered, without further appropriation, by the Parks
and Wildlife Department or the department's successor in function.
In accordance with general law, the centennial parks conservation
fund may be used only for the creation and improvement of state and
local parks and the conservation of land, water, and soil in this
state. Separate accounts may be established in the centennial
parks conservation fund as necessary or convenient to administer
the fund or the supported projects.
(b) The legislature by general law may authorize the Parks
and Wildlife Department or the department's successor in function
to use the centennial parks conservation fund to provide financial
assistance to support projects for public purposes consistent with
this section through grants administered by the department or the
department's successor in function. The financial assistance
authorized by this subsection may be provided directly to public or
private entities as provided by general law.
(c) In accordance with general law, the Parks and Wildlife
Department or the department's successor in function may, at that
entity's discretion, transfer money from the centennial parks
conservation fund to other programs and funds of the department or
the department's successor in function.
(d) The centennial parks conservation fund consists of:
(1) money appropriated to the fund;
(2) money transferred or deposited to the credit of
the fund by general law;
(3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts
credited to the fund; and
(4) gifts, grants, and donations received for the
fund.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment providing for the
creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be
administered by the Parks and Wildlife Department and used for the
creation and improvement of state and local parks and the
conservation of land, water, and soil in this state."