Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR47

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of House Committee
5/8/25  
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and certain other funds and accounts.

Impact

If enacted, the Texas STRONG defense fund would serve as a financial resource for public health, safety concerns, and workforce preparedness in communities impacted by oil and gas extraction. The funds allocated could be utilized for grants to state agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to enhance public services and community strength in areas most affected by the industry. The amendment would thus potentially create a structured means to support growth and stability in these regions.

Summary

HJR47 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund. This fund is dedicated to assist areas of Texas significantly affected by oil and gas production. Specifically, it outlines that certain general revenues will be allocated to this fund and other various accounts like the economic stabilization fund. The bill aims to create a dedicated source of revenue to support localities that are likely to experience economic fluctuations due to the volatile nature of the oil and gas industry.

Sentiment

Public sentiment surrounding HJR47 seems to be cautiously optimistic with a focus on economic resilience. Proponents believe the fund could significantly bolster local economies that depend on oil and gas, providing essential services and stabilization amidst economic fluctuations. However, there may also be skepticism about the long-term implications for funding priorities and the effectiveness of fund allocation to meet the needs of the communities it is designed to serve.

Contention

The primary contention revolves around how effectively funds from the Texas STRONG defense fund will be utilized. Critics may argue that reliance on funds from the oil and gas industry could perpetuate economic dependency on fossil fuels, potentially diverting attention away from diversifying local economies. Additionally, there is concern about the impact of revenue allocations and whether they adequately address immediate community needs vs. long-term planning.

Companion Bills

TX HB188

Enabled by Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to certain funds and accounts, including the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

TX SJR48

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and certain other funds and accounts.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR48

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and certain other funds and accounts.

TX HB188

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to certain funds and accounts, including the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

TX SB1001

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to certain funds and accounts, including the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

TX HJR35

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HJR126

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain general revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the economic stabilization fund to the Texas water fund.

TX HJR183

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the property tax reduction fund to reduce school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes and dedicating certain unencumbered general revenue and certain general revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the economic stabilization fund to that fund.

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the property tax reduction fund and dedicating certain surplus state revenue to the fund.

TX HJR57

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain general revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the economic stabilization fund to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.

TX HB265

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the maximum amount of money allowable in the economic stabilization fund.

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