Proposition 2 - HJR 99

Summary

HJR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to authorize a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area within the county and to pledge for repayment of those bonds or notes increases in property tax revenues imposed on property in the area by the county. The Texas Constitution gives the legislature the power to authorize an incorporated city or town to issue such bonds or notes but does not expressly give the legislature the power to grant that same authority to counties. The proposed amendment also provides that a county that issues bonds or notes for transportation improvements may not pledge for the repayment of those bonds or notes more than 65 percent of the increases in ad valorem tax revenues each year, and a county may not use proceeds from the bonds or notes to finance the construction, operation, maintenance, or acquisition of rights-of-way of a toll road. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.”

A "Yes" vote on Proposition 2 is in favor for amending the state constitution, which will authorize a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas.

A "No" vote on Proposition 2 is against amending the state constitution, thus denying a county authorization to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas.

Arguments

"More local government debt and higher property taxes are the last thing Texans need, but that’s exactly what the proposition will do. In this case, this amendment seeks to allow the issuance of bonds which must be paid for with your tax dollars." - Rep. Mayes Middleton, Texas Freedom Caucus Chairman, in opposition to Proposition 2 (Learn more)

"Allows counties to issue bonds to improve blighted areas. Cities and towns can do this already. Counties need the same authority." - Progress Texas, in support of Proposition 2 (Learn more)

Measure Details