82R16284 PAM-D

By: Solomons, Callegari, King of Taylor, H.J.R. No. 56

Kolkhorst, et al.

Substitute the following for H.J.R. No. 56:

By: Cook C.S.H.J.R. No. 56

A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment to restrict the power of the legislature to mandate requirements on local governments.

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

SECTION 1. Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 68 to read as follows:

Sec. 68. (a) In this section, "local government" means a municipality, county, hospital district, or junior college district or a special district created by the action of a municipality or county. The term does not include a school district.

(b) A law enacted by the legislature on or after January 1, 2012, that requires a local government to establish, expand, or modify a duty or activity that requires the expenditure of revenue by the local government is not effective unless the legislature appropriates or otherwise provides, from a source other than the revenue of the local government, for the payment or reimbursement of the costs incurred for the biennium by the local government in complying with the requirement.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2011. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment to restrict the power of the legislature from mandating unfunded requirements on local governments."