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House Joint Resolution 14 |
House Author: Corte et al. |
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For Election: 11-3-09 |
Senate Sponsor: Duncan |
House Joint Resolution 14 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to prohibit the taking of a person's private property for public use unless the taking, damage, or destruction is necessary for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, or the public at large or an entity granted the power of eminent domain, or the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property. The term "public use" is clarified to exclude the taking of property for transfer to a private entity for economic development purposes. On or after January 1, 2010, the legislature's ability to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity will require a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.
House Joint Resolution 14 establishes a national research university fund for the purpose of providing a dedicated, independent, and equitable source of funding to enable emerging research universities in Texas to achieve national prominence. The resolution sets forth provisions relating to the allocation and administration of the fund and the requirements of the legislature in overseeing the fund.