88R15332 BEE-D
 
  By: Parker S.J.R. No. 74
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of
  the centennial parks conservation fund to be administered by the
  Parks and Wildlife Department.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by
  adding Section 49-e-1 to read as follows:
         Sec. 49-e-1.  (a) The centennial parks conservation fund is
  created as a special fund in the state treasury outside the general
  revenue fund. Money in the centennial parks conservation fund
  shall be administered, without further appropriation, by the Parks
  and Wildlife Department or the department's successor in function.
  In accordance with general law, the centennial parks conservation
  fund may be used only for the creation and improvement of state and
  local parks and the conservation of land, water, and soil in this
  state. Separate accounts may be established in the centennial
  parks conservation fund as necessary or convenient to administer
  the fund or the supported projects.
         (b)  The legislature by general law may authorize the Parks
  and Wildlife Department or the department's successor in function
  to use the centennial parks conservation fund to provide financial
  assistance to support projects for public purposes consistent with
  this section through grants administered by the department or the
  department's successor in function. The financial assistance
  authorized by this subsection may be provided directly to public or
  private entities as provided by general law.
         (c)  In accordance with general law, the Parks and Wildlife
  Department or the department's successor in function may, at that
  entity's discretion, transfer money from the centennial parks
  conservation fund to other programs and funds of the department or
  the department's successor in function.
         (d)  The centennial parks conservation fund consists of:
               (1)  money appropriated to the fund;
               (2)  money transferred or deposited to the credit of
  the fund by general law;
               (3)  investment earnings and interest earned on amounts
  credited to the fund; and
               (4)  gifts, grants, and donations received for the
  fund.
         SECTION 2.  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 providing for the
  creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be
  administered by the Parks and Wildlife Department and used for the
  creation and improvement of state and local parks and the
  conservation of land, water, and soil in this state."