79R8572 DWS-F


By:  Krusee                                                     H.J.R. No. 80 



A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that certain 
economic development programs do not constitute a debt.
	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                       
	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 does not constitute or create a debt for the purpose 
of any provision of this constitution or other law that prohibits 
the state or a political subdivision of the state from incurring 
debt or otherwise limits the ability of the state or a political 
subdivision of the state to incur debt.  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."