AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Section 130.065 (Annexation By Election), Education Code, provides a method by which junior college districts may annex territory into their service area and taxing jurisdiction through an election held within the territory proposed for annexation.  If the voters within the area proposed for annexation vote in favor of the proposition to be annexed within the junior college district, then property taxpayers within the district will pay an in-district property tax.

 

The prescribed ballot language for a junior college district annexation election authorized by Section 130.065, Education Code, does not include the applicable tax rate.  Nor does the ballot identify the junior college district seeking to annex territory.  Rather, the ballot language centers on the question of whether a certain territory, specifically identified on the ballot, should be annexed for junior college purposes.  Information on the tax rate and the specific junior college district seeking annexation are important facts that should be included on the ballot to give voters adequate information about the vote they will cast.

 

S.B. 1226 amends current law relating to the ballot language for junior college district annexation elections.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 130.065(g), Education Code, to set forth the required ballot language for junior college district annexation elections.

 

SECTION 2.  Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies only to the ballot for an election ordered to be held on or after the effective date of this Act.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2011.