78R7631 CBH-D

By:  Coleman                                                    H.J.R. No. 79 



A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment repealing the constitutional 
dedication of revenue from taxes imposed on motor fuels used to 
propel a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state.
	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                       
	SECTION 1.  Section 7-a, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, 
is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 7-a.  Subject to legislative appropriation, allocation 
and direction, all net revenues remaining after payment of all 
refunds allowed by law and expenses of collection derived from 
motor vehicle registration fees[, and all taxes, except gross 
production and ad valorem taxes, on motor fuels and lubricants used 
to propel motor vehicles over public roadways,] shall be used for 
the sole purpose of acquiring rights-of-way, constructing, 
maintaining, and policing such public roadways, and for the 
administration of such laws as may be prescribed by the Legislature 
pertaining to the supervision of traffic and safety on such roads; 
[and for the payment of the principal and interest on county and 
road district bonds or warrants voted or issued prior to January 2, 
1939, and declared eligible prior to January 2, 1945, for payment 
out of the County and Road District Highway Fund under existing 
law;] provided, however, that [one-fourth ( 1/4) of such net 
revenue from the motor fuel tax shall be allocated to the Available 
School Fund; and, provided, however, that] the net revenue derived 
by counties from motor vehicle registration fees shall never be 
less than the maximum amounts allowed to be retained by each County 
and the percentage allowed to be retained by each County under the 
laws in effect on January 1, 1945.  Nothing contained herein shall 
be construed as authorizing the pledging of the State's credit for 
any purpose.
	SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be 
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2003. 
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the 
proposition:  "The constitutional amendment to repeal the 
constitutional dedication of revenue from taxes imposed on motor 
fuels used to propel a motor vehicle on the public highways of this 
state."