BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.J.R. 23

79R6624 CBH-D                                                                                                              By: Brimer

Finance

3/18/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, twenty-five percent of motor fuels tax revenue is dedicated to the Available School Fund.  Regional Mobility Authorities (RMAs) have attempted to address the lack of funds available to meet the state's transportation infrastructure needs with toll roads and other innovations. 

S.B. 849 allows RMAs to levy a local option transportation tax and retain the revenue from that tax, limiting the dedication of funds to those at the state level.  S.J.R. 23 is the accompanying constitutional amendment to allow S.B. 849 to take effect.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 7-a, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to provide that this section (regarding allocation of motor fuel taxes) does not apply to a tax on motor fuels imposed by a political subdivision of this state.  Makes conforming changes.

SECTION 2.  Requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2005.  Requires the ballot to be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition and sets forth appropriate language.