81R11027 SJM-D

By: Lucio S.J.R. No. 43

A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the imposition of an additional ad valorem tax for emergency services districts, subject to voter approval, at a rate not to exceed five cents for the acquisition of land, equipment, or apparatus or the construction of capital improvements.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 48-e, Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 48-e. EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICTS. Laws may be enacted to provide for the establishment and creation of special districts to provide emergency services and to authorize the commissioners courts of participating counties to impose [levy] a tax on the ad valorem property situated in said districts not to exceed 10 cents [Ten Cents (10˘)] on the $100 [One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)] valuation for the operating and capital support thereof and five cents on the $100 valuation for the acquisition of land, equipment, or apparatus or the construction of capital improvements; provided that no tax shall be imposed [levied] in support of said districts until approved by a vote of the qualified voters residing therein. Such a district may provide emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, rural fire prevention and control services, or other emergency services authorized by the Legislature.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the imposition of an additional ad valorem tax for an emergency services district, subject to voter approval, at a rate not to exceed five cents for the acquisition of land, equipment, or apparatus or the construction of capital improvements."