Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

A supplemental appropriations bill

A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws

A Bit of Background

The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Summary of 88th Legislature Laws

The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.

Blog Summary

SB 30 Part 1
This blog deals with supplemental and reduction in appropriations for General Government, including historic sites.

A supplemental appropriations bill

Published: 2024-07-22

SB 30 Part 1

Supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations in General Government

ARPA are funds received by Texas from the Coronoavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and held in the Coronavirus Relief Fund No 325.

The amount of $165,600,000 ($165.6 million) is appropriated from the general revenue fund to the Employees Retirement System for 2 years. This is meant to amortize the unfunded actuarial liabilities no later than August 31, 2054.

The amount of $900,000,000 ($900 million) is appropriated from the general revenue fund to the Employees Retirement System for 2 years. This is meant to amortize the unfunded actuarial liabilities.

The amount of $26,846,996.60 (more than $26.8 million) is appropriated from the general revenue fund to Fiscal Programs. This is to be deposited for the opioid abatement program. The money for this fund was obtained by a statewide opioid settlement agreement in State of Texas v McKinsey & Company, Inc.

The amount of $243,800,000 ($243.8 million) is appropriated from the general revenue fund to Fiscal Programs. This is for a 2 year period for the purpose of paying contract obligations and program expenses for the Guaranteed Tuition Plan/ Texas Tomorrow Fund. (I wander if this amount is set aside every 2 years for this program.)

The amount of $400,000,000 ($400 million) is appropriated from the general revenue fund to the deferred maintenance account 5166 no later than 8/31/2023. This is meant to address future maintenance of state buildings as the legislature directs.

The amount of $210,300,000 ($210.3 million) from the general revenue fund to the Texas Facilities Commission. This is for a 2 year period to construct a new facility to be used by the Library and Archives Commission for records and archive storage. (There are currently 3 locations - 2 in Austin and 1 in Houston - for the Texas State Library and Archive Commission. I wander if this is to be an additional site or if one of the existing sites is being replaced.)

The appropriations from ARPA fund and related capital budget for the Department of Information Resources for cybersecurity projects is reduced by $200,000,000 ($200 million).

The appropriations to the Public Finance Authority for use of bond debt service payments are reduced by $34,250,443 (over $34.2 million).

The appropriations of $698,300,00 ($698.3 million) to the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund. The appropriations of $698,300,000 ($698.3 million) from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to the Trusteed Programs for a 2 year period for the purposes described in legislation. These funds may only be spent with prior approval of the Legislative Budget Board.

The appropriations of $200,000,000 ($200 million) to the capital renewal trust fund for the Texas State building preservation endowment fund. The funds are to be used as follows:

1. The amount of $2,975,000 ($2.975 million) for a 2 year period to replace the roof and boiler system of the Texas State History Museum.
2. The amount of $500,000 for maintenance and improvement of the Fort Velasco Historic Site.
3. The amount of $300,000,000 ($300 million) for use by the Texas Historical Commission if one of several bills passed, including SB 1332 which did pass.
4. The amount of $102,700,000 ($102.7 million) for the purpose of restoring the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and making improvements to the visitor center for the site.
5. The amount of $40,000,000 ($40 million) for the purpose of restoring the Battleship Texas site, including demolishing the battleship's slip and accessory structures and restoring the historical appearance of the entire site.
6. The amount of $327,000 for the purpose of maintenance and repairs to the commission's complex in central Austin, including lead paint abatement and window repairs.
7. The amount of $4,144,000 ($4.144 million) for the purpose of stablizing and rebuilding the Magoffin Home in the City of El Paso.
8. The amount of $825,000 for the purpose of remediating damage to the foundation of Varner-Hogg Plantation structures caused by decades of flood events.
9. The amount of $2,875,000 ($2.875 million) for the purpose of undertaking maintenance projects at various historic sites, including replacing roofs, stabilizing ruins, replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

The appropriations of $45,000,000 ($45 million) for the purpose of courthouse grant program, including restorations and emergency planning projects.

The appropriation of $5,000,000 ($5 million) for the purpose of land acquisition to restore the boundaries of the Levi Jordan plantation and develop a visitor center and exhibits.

The appropriation of $552,240 for the purpose of updating, reprinting and distributing the statewide Heritage Travel Guide, African Americans in Texas travel guide, Hispanic Texas travel guide, Chisholm Trail travel guide, and Texas and the Great War guide.

The appropriation of $7,500,000 ($7.5 million) for the purpose of making updates and modifications to modernize the George H.W. Bush Gallery and exhibits at the National Museum of Pacific War.

The appropriation of $3,401,000 ($3.401 million) for the purpose of making site upgrades at the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, including a new visitor center, landscaping improvements, improved entry to the site, and enhancement to the overall appearance of the Eisenhower statue.

The appropriation of $4,300,000 ($4.3 million) for the purpose of building a new visitor center and incorporating an open-air pavilion at the Monument Hill State Historic site.

The appropriations of $115,000,000 ($115 million) for the purpose of providing funding for grants for victims of crime. If specific other legislation passed relating to crime victims' compensation then:

1. they could transfer $5,000,000 ($5 million) to the compensation to victims of crime account number 0469;
2. the amount of $5,000,000 ($5 million) is appropriated to this account for a 2 year period

The appropriation of $155,000,000 ($155 million) for the purpose of the moving image industry incentive program in the Government Code, Section 485.022.

The appropriation made to the Texas Facilities Commission are to be used to reduce the lease payments by $59,878,401 (over $59.8 million).

The appropriation of $6,000,000 ($6 million) for the purpose of paying legal counsel to represent the trusteed programs in litigation involving children's rights in the case of M.D., et al, v Abbott, et al. (This case complains about the children placed in Permanent Management by the state. Currently Texas Family and Protective Services has 18 months to reunite and terminate parental rights. While I agree that there are cases taken by DFPS that should not be taken, there are equally a number of cases not addressed that should be. Again I agree that children placed in group foster situations may not be getting the best or ideal care, but for many their care prior to placement was much more detrimental. I would think that rather than filing suits, the parties could work with the system to improve it.)

The appropriation of $300,000,000 ($300 million) for the purpose of border operations.

The appropriation of $150,000,000 ($150 million) to the Texas Enterprise Fund account number 5107. This spending is covered under Government Code, Section 481.078.

The appropriation of $800,000 for the purpose of funding to support an economic development office in Taiwan. (Now this seems extremely odd to me.)

The appropriation of $65,000,000 ($65 million) for the ppurpose of making improvements to senate facilities.

The appropriation of $65,000,000 ($65 million) for the purpose of making improvements to house of representatives facilities.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.