Bill > HJR212

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the growth of state and local government spending by tying appropriations to the average taxpayer's ability to pay. The amendment defines "all funds appropriations" broadly, including general revenue, dedicated accounts, and various state and local funds. It requires the Legislative Budget Board to calculate and approve a growth rate limit before each legislative session, which local governments must then follow. The resolution allows exceptions to the spending limit only if three-fourths of legislative or local entity members approve a specific resolution detailing the emergency and excess amount. Furthermore, if taxpayer money is over-collected, the amendment mandates that the surplus be returned to taxpayers through tax rate reductions. The proposed amendment would be submitted to voters in a November 4, 2025 election, with ballot language explicitly describing the proposed appropriations limitation and tax return mechanism. The amendment will only take effect if approved by voters, and it aims to provide a constitutional constraint on government spending growth while offering a taxpayer-friendly mechanism for handling budget surpluses.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HJR212