The Comptroller’s office has estimated sales tax revenue, the 85th Texas Legislature to convene, and the Sunset Advisory Commission makes recommendations.

Comptroller Estimates Sales Tax Revenue From Surveying Services

Per the Comptroller, taxable sales from firms that specialize in the provision of surveying and mapping services was estimated to be $35.7 million in state and local sales tax revenue in the 2014-2015 biennium.  However, this estimate does not reflect any sales of taxable surveying services by firms otherwise classified, such as engineering, architectural, or architectural landscaping service firms, nor any tax on surveying services remitted by holders of direct pay permits, and could include sales of taxable items other than surveying services.

Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature Convenes On January 10, 2017

As usual, the first priority this Session will be the two-year budget for fiscal years 2017-2019.  The current Texas 2-year budget is $204.9 billion.  Sales tax revenue is down over 20%.  Projected income is down by $551 million due to a sharp decline in oil and gas prices.  Production taxes on oil and gas have fallen 43% and 58% respectively.  However, the budget shortfall will be more than covered by the $4 billion surplus last Biennium.  Spending priorities next Session include Medicaid, Child Protective Services, Border Security, Public and Higher Education.  The Rainy Day Fund is currently $9.7 billion.

Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Recommends Agency Consolidation

During the 2017 Sunset Review Process, the Texas Legislature will consider whether or not to continue in existence the independent licensing Boards for 10 small health licensing agencies (optometrists, physical therapists, podiatrists, etc.).  However, in November, 2016, the Sunset Commission Staff recommended that all 10 of these health occupational licensing programs be transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and that the associated regulatory boards be reconstituted as advisory boards.