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Amend HJR 80 by striking all below the resolving clause and
substituting the following:
SECTION 1. Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution,
is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 52-a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
constitution, the legislature may provide for the creation of
programs and the making of loans and grants of public money, other
than money otherwise dedicated by this constitution to use for a
different purpose, for the public purposes of development and
diversification of the economy of the state, the elimination of
unemployment or underemployment in the state, the stimulation of
agricultural innovation, the fostering of the growth of enterprises
based on agriculture, or the development or expansion of
transportation or commerce in the state. Any bonds or other
obligations of a county, municipality, or other political
subdivision of the state that are issued for the purpose of making
loans or grants in connection with a program authorized by the
legislature under this section and that are payable from ad valorem
taxes must be approved by a vote of the majority of the registered
voters of the county, municipality, or political subdivision voting
on the issue. A program created or a loan or grant made as provided
by this section that is not financed by the issuance of any bonds or
other obligations of the political subdivision does not constitute
or create a debt for the purpose of any provision of this
constitution. An enabling law enacted by the legislature in
anticipation of the adoption of this amendment is not void because
of its anticipatory character.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2005.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment clarifying that
certain economic development programs do not constitute a debt."