88(R) HJR 154 - Introduced version - Bill Text

	88R15332 BEE-D
	By:  King of Hemphill	H.J.R.  No.  154

	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."