Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1232

Filed
2/27/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/12/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/18/23  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.

Impact

The impact of SB1232 extends to budgeting and fiscal management practices within the state of Texas. By focusing on how general revenues are allocated, the bill aims to streamline the management of state funds, ensuring that the economic stabilization fund does not exceed certain thresholds, thereby maintaining fiscal discipline. The bill's passage signifies a proactive approach to managing state resources efficiently while addressing the future needs of state-funded infrastructure projects.

Summary

Senate Bill 1232 is a legislative measure passed during the 87th session aimed at reforming the allocation of funding between the economic stabilization fund (ESF) and the state highway fund in Texas. The bill modifies provisions related to the determination of sufficient balances within the ESF, enabling the comptroller to make necessary adjustments to the transfer allocations beginning in fiscal year 2043. This legislation is considered a crucial step toward ensuring the financial stability of state resources that support highway and other infrastructure projects.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB1232 appears to be generally positive. Legislative discussions emphasize a collaborative effort among lawmakers to create a sustainable and efficiently managed fund that would ultimately benefit public infrastructure. The unanimous support during voting, with SB1232 passing with no votes against it, reflects a strong consensus among legislators on the importance of the bill.

Contention

While there is broad support for SB1232, some stakeholders have raised questions about the long-term implications of modifying the fund allocations so far in advance. There are concerns that these changes could limit future legislative flexibility regarding budget allocations, especially as Texas experiences fluctuations in revenue generation. Nevertheless, supporters argue that the amendments are necessary to establish clearer guidelines for fund management and future financial planning.

Companion Bills

TX HB2230

Similar Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR35

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HB265

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.

TX HB4326

Relating to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes through the use of certain state revenue and the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the property tax reduction fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HJR47

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and certain other funds and accounts.

TX SJR48

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and certain other funds and accounts.

TX HJR126

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

TX SB1625

Prohibits the transfer of any balance at the end of a biennium in certain state funds to the state general revenue fund

TX SB1524

Prohibits the transfer of any balance at the end of a biennium in certain state funds to the state general revenue fund

TX HJR183

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the property tax reduction fund to reduce school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes and dedicating certain unencumbered general revenue and certain general revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the economic stabilization fund to that fund.

TX HB3520

Expiring funds to the surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, Office of Energy

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.