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HJR 47

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brooks Landgraf

Texas constitutional amendment creating dedicated fund for oil/gas-affected communities using severance tax revenue, limiting legislative budget flexibility.

Referred to Finance
#comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #oil&gas(i0545) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HJR 47

Legislative bill overview

HJR 47 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a Texas STRONG (Severance Tax Revenue and Oil and Natural Gas Defense Fund) that would dedicate revenue from oil and gas severance taxes to communities significantly impacted by energy production. The amendment would also establish formulas for transferring general revenues to this new fund, the economic stabilization fund, and other state accounts.

Why is this important

Oil and gas production generates substantial state revenue but creates concentrated environmental, infrastructure, and social costs in producing regions. This amendment would constitutionally protect dedicated funding for affected communities rather than leaving it subject to annual appropriations decisions, potentially ensuring more stable, long-term support for areas bearing the burden of energy extraction.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue allocation trade-offs: Dedicating severance tax revenue to this fund reduces flexibility for other state priorities (education, healthcare, general operations) and could limit the legislature's budgetary discretion
  • Definition disputes: "Significantly affected areas" is vague and could spark conflict over which communities qualify for benefits and how funds are distributed among competing regions
  • Economic stabilization conflicts: The amendment's language on transferring revenues to both the new defense fund and the economic stabilization fund could create competing claims on limited oil and gas revenues, requiring clarification on priority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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