H.J.R. 89 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.J.R. 89
By: Hilderbran
State Cultural and Recreational Resources
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas Parks and Wildlife no longer has bonding authority to
provide General Obligation Bonds to fund state recreational areas and
parks.  In 1963, a constitutional amendment provided for a cap of $75
million to be placed on the issuance of General Obligation bonds by Texas
Parks and Wildlife.  The $75 million cap must now be increased so that
Texas Parks and Wildlife has the ability to continue to preserve and
protect our precious resources.  HJR 89 provides for the constitutional
amendment so that the mechanism may be in  place for further issuance of
General Obligation bonds by Texas Parks and Wildlife up to $575 million.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department,
agency, or institution. 


ANALYSIS

HJR 89 amends Article III of the Texas Constitution to allow Texas Parks
and Wildlife or its successor to issue additional general obligation
bonds, at its determination, for the Texas Park Development Fund in an
amount not to exceed $500 million.  This proposed constitutional amendment
shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 2,
2004. 


FOR ELECTION

This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at
an election to be held November 2, 2004.