By: Solomons H.J.R. No. 56
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment to restrict the power of the
  legislature to mandate requirements upon certain local
  governments.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article III of the Texas Constitution is amended
  by adding Section 68 as follows:
         Sec. 68.  (a)  No bill enacted by the legislature on or after
  January 1, 2012 requiring a local government to establish, expand,
  or modify a duty or activity that requires the expenditure of
  revenue by the local government shall be effective until and unless
  the legislature appropriates or otherwise provides for the payment
  or reimbursement, from a source other than the revenue of the local
  government, or the costs incurred for the biennium by the local
  government in complying with the requirement.
         (b)  For the purpose of this section, "local government" 
  includes a county, a city, a hospital district, a community college
  district, or a special district created by the action of a county,
  city, hospital district, or community college.
         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 upon local
  governments."