SRC-PNG S.J.R. 29 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 29
76R8987 CBH-DBy: Wentworth
Finance
4/26/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, motor fuel taxes provide most of the revenue to construct or
maintain the interstate, national, and state highway system.  Under this
system those who use the roads the most are taxed the most, which provides
a sound source of revenue for the construction and maintenance of needed
infrastructure.  However, no such system exists for local, municipal, or
county roads.  This bill would require the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment to impose a local motor fuel tax to be used only
for the maintenance of local roads. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.J.R. 29 requires the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment to impose a local motor fuel tax to be used only
for the maintenance of local roads. 

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 VIII, Texas Constitution, by amending Section 7-a
and adding Section 7-c, as follows: 

Sec.  7-a.  Requires all state taxes on motor fuels to be used for the sole
purpose of acquiring rights-of-way, constructing, maintaining, and policing
public roadways.  Makes conforming changes. 

Sec.  7-c.  Authorizes the legislature by general law to authorize the
imposition of a local gasoline tax at a rate of one cent per gallon or
fractional gallon of gasoline sold to be used only to repair and maintain
local roads.   

SECTION 2. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 1999.  Sets forth the
required language for the ballot.