BILL ANALYSIS

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the country. Despite the state's abundant natural resources, many of its parks and wildlife areas are facing challenges that threaten their continued existence. One of the primary challenges is the lack of funding for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of state parks. In recent years, Texas has struggled to keep up with the demand for new parks and to maintain existing ones.

S.J.R. 74 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the centennial parks conservation fund, which will provide a dedicated funding source for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of state parks in Texas. S.J.R. 74 will afford voters the opportunity to ensure that Texans and visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of Texas' parks for generations to come.

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.S.J.R. 74 proposes a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article III, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 49-e-1, as follows:

Sec. 49-e-1.  (a) Provides that the centennial parks conservation fund (fund) is established as a trust fund outside the treasury. Provides that the fund, in accordance with general law, is authorized to be used only for the creation and improvement of state parks.

(b)  Provides that the 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.

(c) Authorizes the legislature to appropriate money from the fund to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or TPWD's successor in function for the purposes prescribed for the fund by this section and general law.

(d) Provides that, for purposes of Section 22 (Restriction on Rate of Growth of Appropriations), Article VIII (Taxation and Revenue), of this constitution:

(1) money in the fund is dedicated by this constitution; and

(2) an appropriation of state tax revenues 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.

SECTION 2. Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.