By:  Krusee (Senate Sponsor - Ogden)                            H.J.R. No. 80 
	(In the Senate - Received from the House May 5, 2005; 
May 8, 2005, read first time and referred to Subcommittee on 
Emerging Technologies and Economic Development; May 19, 2005, 
reported favorably to Committee on Business and Commerce; 
May 21, 2005, reported favorably from Committee on Business and 
Commerce by the following vote:  Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 21, 2005, sent 
to printer.)


HOUSE 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 a 
political subdivision of the state from incurring debt or otherwise 
limits the ability of 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."



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