88R20126 DIO-F
 
  By: Ashby, et al. H.J.R. No. 125
 
  Substitute the following for H.J.R. No. 125:
 
  By:  Metcalf C.S.H.J.R. No. 125
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment creating the broadband
  infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of broadband and
  telecommunications services projects in the state.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by
  adding Section 49-d-16 to read as follows:
         Sec. 49-d-16.  (a) In this section: 
               (1)  "Comptroller" means the comptroller of public
  accounts of the State of Texas or its successor.
               (2)  "Fund" means the broadband infrastructure fund.
         (b)  The broadband infrastructure fund is created as a
  special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue
  fund.
         (c)  The fund consists of:
               (1)  appropriations from the legislature for deposit to
  the credit of the fund;
               (2)  money transferred or deposited to the credit of
  the fund by this constitution or by general law;
               (3)  revenue that the legislature by general law
  dedicates for deposit to the credit of the fund;
               (4)  investment earnings and interest earned on money
  in the fund; and
               (5)  gifts, grants, and donations to the fund.
         (d)  Money in the fund shall be administered by the
  comptroller. Money from the fund may be used, without further
  appropriation, only for the expansion of access to and adoption of
  broadband and telecommunications services, including:
               (1)  the development, construction, reconstruction,
  and expansion of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure
  or services;
               (2)  the operation of broadband and telecommunications
  infrastructure;
               (3)  the provision of broadband and telecommunications
  services, including services authorized by general law to be funded
  by the universal service fund; and
               (4)  the reasonable expenses of administering and
  managing the investments of the fund.
         (e)  The legislature by general law shall provide for the
  manner in which the assets of the fund may be used, subject to the
  limitations of this section. Money in the fund may be used in
  conjunction with other funds or financial resources, including
  money from the federal government, in accordance with procedures,
  standards, and limitations established by federal law and general
  law of this state.
         (f)  Not later than January 15, 2024, the comptroller shall
  transfer $5 billion from the economic stabilization fund to the
  fund.
         (g)  For purposes of Section 22, Article VIII, of this
  constitution:
               (1)  money in the fund is dedicated by this
  constitution; and
               (2)  an appropriation of state tax revenues from the
  economic stabilization fund for the purpose of depositing money to
  the credit of the fund is treated  as if it were an appropriation of
  revenues dedicated by this constitution.
         (h)  Unless extended by adoption of a concurrent resolution
  approved by a record vote of two-thirds of the members of each house
  of the legislature, this section expires on September 1, 2035. A
  resolution suspends the expiration of this section until September
  1 of the 10th year following the adoption of the resolution.
         (i)  Immediately before the expiration of this section, the
  comptroller shall transfer any unexpended and unobligated balance
  remaining in the fund to the economic stabilization fund.
         SECTION 2.  The following temporary provision is added to
  the Texas Constitution:
         TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) This temporary provision applies
  to the amendment to Article III of this constitution as proposed by
  the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, creating the broadband
  infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of broadband and
  telecommunications services projects in the state.
         (b)  The change made to Article III of this constitution by
  the amendment described in Subsection (a) takes effect January 1,
  2024.
         (c)  This temporary provision expires January 1, 2025.
         SECTION 3.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023.
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition: "The constitutional amendment creating the broadband
  infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of broadband and
  telecommunications services projects in the state."