Sec. 22.  RESTRICTION ON RATE OF GROWTH OF APPROPRIATIONS.  (a) In no biennium shall the rate of growth of appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this constitution exceed the estimated rate of growth of the state's economy.  The legislature shall provide by general law procedures to implement this subsection.
(a-1)  Appropriations from state tax revenues not dedicated by this constitution that are made for the purpose of paying for ad valorem tax relief as identified by the legislature by general law are not included as appropriations for purposes of determining whether the rate of growth of appropriations exceeds the limitation prescribed by Subsection (a) of this section.
(b)  If the legislature by adoption of a resolution approved by a record vote of a majority of the members of each house finds that an emergency exists and identifies the nature of the emergency, the legislature may provide for appropriations in excess of the amount authorized by Subsection (a) of this section.  The excess authorized under this subsection may not exceed the amount specified in the resolution.
(c)  In no case shall appropriations exceed revenues as provided in Article III, Section 49a, of this constitution.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter, amend, or repeal Article III, Section 49a, of this constitution.  
(Added Nov. 7, 1978; Subsec. (a-1) added Nov. 7, 2023, subject to resolution of an election contest under Chapter 233, Election Code, pending as of Feb. 1, 2024.) (TEMPORARY PROVISION for Sec. 22: See Appendix, Note 7.)