By: Strama H.B. No. 3580
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the state spending limit.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 316.002, Government Code, is amended by
  amending sections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
         (a)  Before the Legislative Budget Board submits the budget
  as prescribed by Section 322.008(c), the board shall establish:
               (1)  the estimated rate of growth of the state's economy
  from the current biennium to the next biennium and an updated
  estimated rate of growth of the state's economy from the previous
  biennium through the current biennium;
               (2)  the level of appropriations for the current and
  previous bienniums from state tax revenues not dedicated by the
  constitution; and
               (3)  the amount of state tax revenues not dedicated by
  the constitution that could be appropriated for the next biennium
  within the limit established by the estimated rate of growth of the
  state's economy.; and
               (4)  the amount of state tax revenues not dedicated by
  the constitution that could be appropriated for the current
  biennium.
         (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the board shall
  determine the estimated rate of growth of the state's economy for
  the next biennium by dividing the estimated Texas total personal
  income for the next biennium by the estimated Texas total personal
  income for the current biennium, and for the current biennium by
  dividing the estimated Texas total personal income for the current
  biennium by the estimated Texas total personal income for the
  previous biennium.  Using standard statistical methods, the board
  shall make the estimate by projecting through the biennium the
  estimated Texas total personal income reported by the United States
  Department of Commerce or its successor in function.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.