SRC-MAX S.J.R. 11 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.J.R. 11 By: Nixon State Affairs 1-20-97 As Filed DIGEST Presently, the Texas Constitution does not require a person seeking elective office to be current on all taxes levied against an individual or property of the individual. While it is assumed that all individuals are current on taxes paid to federal, state, or local governments, this bill establishes specific criteria to determine eligibility for a person to serve in a public capacity based on adherence to specific tax regulations. Concurrently, S.J.R. 11 would establish criteria that hold persons who want to be a candidate for or hold elective office accountable for any delinquency with respect to taxes. PURPOSE As proposed, S.J.R. 11 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment regarding the eligibility of a person, who is delinquent in the payment of taxes, to be a candidate for or to hold elective office. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article XVI, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 5a, as follows: Sec. 5a. Authorizes the legislature by general law to provide that a person is not eligible to be a candidate for or hold an elective office of the state or a political subdivision of the state if the person is delinquent in the payment of taxes. SECTION 2. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 1997. Sets forth the required language for the ballot.