RESOLUTION ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 144

By: Canales

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the Texas Constitution limits the use of the state highway fund to acquiring rights‑of‑way, constructing, maintaining, and policing public roadways, as well as administering such laws as may be prescribed by the legislature pertaining to the supervision of traffic and safety on public roads. The Texas Department of Transportation, which drafts much of its funding from the state highway fund, is not currently able to use these funds to invest in other types of infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine have resulted in global supply chain issues, which have hurt Texas consumers and illuminated the importance of state investment in other types of transportation infrastructure. Accordingly, H.J.R. 144 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize money in the state highway fund to be used to acquire rights-of-way, to construct, and to maintain roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 144 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to include acquiring rights-of‑way, constructing, and maintaining roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges among the authorized uses of the net revenues remaining in the state highway fund after payment of all refunds allowed by law and expenses of collection derived from motor vehicle registration fees, and all taxes, except gross production and property taxes, on motor fuels and lubricants used to propel motor vehicles over public roadways.

ELECTION DATE

The constitutional amendment proposed by this joint resolution will be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023.