Texas House Bill HJR126

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/28/25

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain general revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the economic stabilization fund to the Texas water fund.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Texas Constitution will have a significant impact on state financial management practices. Should the amendment be approved, it would modify how revenues are allocated between funds, specifically favoring the Texas water fund. This means that a guaranteed level of funding, up to $1 billion annually (with adjustments for inflation), would be made available for essential water projects. The legislature would maintain the flexibility to allocate funds for various water needs, reflecting the importance of this resource in Texas.

Summary

HJR126 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that seeks to dedicate certain general revenues to the Texas water fund rather than allowing these funds to be transferred to the economic stabilization fund. This amendment is intended to ensure the continuous support for the state's water infrastructure by allocating a part of the state's revenue directly to the water fund, which is crucial given Texas's ongoing challenges with water supply and management.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HJR126, particularly regarding the prioritization of funding between the economic stabilization fund and the water fund. Critics may argue that dedicating funds specifically for water projects could limit the state’s flexibility to respond to economic downturns or emergencies where the economic stabilization fund would be necessary. The need for balancing immediate economic needs with long-term resource management could be a focal point of debate during discussions leading up to the proposed voter referendum on this amendment.