By Oliveira                                            H.J.R. No. 2
         76R4878 WP-D                           
                                 A JOINT RESOLUTION
 1-1     proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to
 1-2     provide for the issuance of general obligation bonds to develop,
 1-3     construct, and improve highways providing access to international
 1-4     ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border.
 1-5           BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-6           SECTION 1.  Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by
 1-7     adding Section 49-k to read as follows:
 1-8           Sec. 49-k.  INTERNATIONAL PORT OF ENTRY BONDS.  (a) The
 1-9     legislature by law may provide for the issuance of $1 billion of
1-10     general obligation bonds and authorize the use of the bond proceeds
1-11     to develop, construct, and improve highways, streets, and
1-12     facilities that provide access to international ports of entry in
1-13     this state that are located on the border with the United Mexican
1-14     States or in a county bordering the United Mexican States having a
1-15     seaport.
1-16           (b)  Bonds authorized under this section constitute a general
1-17     obligation of the state.  While any of the bonds or interest on the
1-18     bonds is outstanding and unpaid, there is appropriated out of the
1-19     first money coming into the treasury in each fiscal year, not
1-20     otherwise appropriated by this constitution, the amount sufficient
1-21     to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds that mature or
1-22     become due during the fiscal year, less any amount in any interest
1-23     and sinking account at the end of the preceding fiscal year that is
1-24     pledged to payment of the bonds or interest.
 2-1           SECTION 2.  This proposed amendment shall be submitted to the
 2-2     voters at an election to be held November 2, 1999.  The ballot
 2-3     shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition:
 2-4     "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to
 2-5     provide for the issuance of $1 billion of general obligation bonds
 2-6     to develop, construct, and improve highways providing access to
 2-7     international ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border."