83R3677 JJT-D
 
  By: Creighton H.J.R. No. 65
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the limitation on
  the rate of growth of appropriations.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 22, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 22.  (a)  In no biennium shall the rate of growth of
  appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this
  constitution exceed a rate equal to the sum of the estimated rates
  [rate of growth] of:
               (1)  change of the state's population during the state
  fiscal biennium preceding the biennium for which the appropriations
  are made; and
               (2)  monetary inflation or deflation in this state
  during the state fiscal biennium preceding the biennium for which
  the appropriations are made [economy].
         (b)  If the sum of the estimated rate of change of the state's
  population and the estimated rate of monetary inflation or
  deflation in this state during that preceding state fiscal biennium
  is a negative number, the appropriations from state tax revenues
  not dedicated by this constitution for the biennium may not exceed
  the amount determined by subtracting from the estimated amount of
  appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this
  constitution for that preceding biennium the product of the
  additive inverse of that negative number and the estimated amount
  of appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this
  constitution for that preceding biennium.
         (c)  The legislature shall provide by general law procedures
  to implement Subsections (a) and (b) of this section [subsection].
         (d) [(b)]  If the legislature by adoption of a resolution
  approved by a record vote of a majority of the members of each house
  finds that an emergency exists and identifies the nature of the
  emergency, the legislature may provide for appropriations in excess
  of the  amount authorized by Subsections [Subsection] (a) and (b) of
  this section. The excess authorized under this subsection may not
  exceed the amount specified in the resolution.
         (e) [(c)]  In no case shall appropriations exceed revenues
  as provided in Article III, Section 49a, of this constitution.
  Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter, amend, or
  repeal Article III, Section 49a, of this constitution.
         SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2014.
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition: "The constitutional amendment regarding the
  limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations."