LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 85TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 2, 2017

TO:
Honorable Jodie Laubenberg, Chair, House Committee on Elections
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1658 by Phelan (Relating to required disclosures in ballot proposition language authorizing political subdivisions to issue bonds or impose or change a tax.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Election Code relating to the information provided on the imposition, increase, or reduction of a tax. The proposition would show the estimated change in tax burden on a homestead with a value equal to the median homestead value. The bill would require a detailed description of the purpose of the tax that is to be imposed or increased.

The bill would amend the Government Code relating to the information provided on bond propositions by political subdivisions of the state. The bill would require the following information on a ballot on bonds: the total principal, the total amount of debt outstanding, the current debt payments, the amount of taxes imposed on a homestead with a value equal to the median, and the estimated tax burden to a homestead with a value equal to the median.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.

Local Government Impact

Harris County anticipates the bill would cost the county an additional $750,000 per year. Legal subject experts with Harris County also contend that some of the provisions of the bill are duplicative of the requirements added by the 2013 Legislative Session in Section 3.009 and 4.003 of the Election Code. The county contends that some of the provisions of the bill would be competing and inconsistent with the current Election Code causing confusion to voters. The county also asserts the bill would impose a character limitation issue with proposed required language to be included on the ballot. 

According to Fort Bend County, Hunt County, and Chambers County, no significant local fiscal impact is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:
UP, LBO, GG, BM