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.