89R498 PRL-D

By: Tepper H.B. No. 565

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend the state constitution include an estimate of the cost to the state of the proposed amendment.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The heading to Section 274.001, Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 274.001. FORM OF AMENDMENT ON BALLOT; COST ESTIMATE.

SECTION 2. Section 274.001, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d) For each proposition submitting a proposed constitutional amendment, the secretary of state shall prepare for placement on the ballot an estimate of the anticipated cost to the state of the proposed amendment during the state fiscal biennium in which the proposed amendment takes effect should the proposition be approved at the election. The secretary of state may request the assistance of the Legislative Budget Board in preparing the estimate required by this subsection.

SECTION 3. Section 274.003(a), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) For each proposed constitutional amendment, the secretary of state shall certify in writing for placement on the ballot:

(1) the wording of the proposition submitting the amendment; [and]

(2) the cost estimate prepared for the proposition under Section 274.001(d); and

(3) the proposition's number.

SECTION 4. The secretary of state may adopt rules as necessary to implement and administer Section 274.001(d), Election Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 5. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a ballot for an election on a proposed constitutional amendment ordered on or after the effective date of this Act. An election on a proposed constitutional amendment ordered before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the election was ordered, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.