BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 702
	By: Huffines
	Intergovernmental Relations
	5/15/2017
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Because bond elections are regularly met with low voter turnout, a relatively small percentage of eligible voters can successfully burden an entire community with millions of dollars in additional taxpayer-supported bond debt and a higher tax rate.

C.S.S.B. 702 requires at least 15 percent of the registered voters of a political subdivision to vote in the election in which the bond proposition is on the ballot in order to authorize the issuance of the bond.

Requiring 15 percent of eligible voters to vote in the same election in which a bond proposition is on the ballot will ensure that the election better represents the will of the community because the preference and opinion of more people will be heard.

C.S.S.B. 702 amends current law relating to a minimum voter turnout requirement for an election authorizing the issuance of bonds issued by a political subdivision.

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 the heading to Chapter 2, Election Code, to read as follows:

CHAPTER 2. VOTE REQUIRED FOR ELECTION

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 2, Election Code, by adding Subchapter E, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER E. TURNOUT REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 2.101. POLITICAL SUBDIVISION BOND ELECTION. Provides that an election held by a political subdivision to authorize the issuance of bonds has no effect regarding the approval of the bonds unless at least 15 percent of the registered voters of the political subdivision vote in the election in which the bond proposition is on the ballot.

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2017.