Texas House Bill HB1773

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to an election authorizing the issuance of bonds or an increase in taxes by a political subdivision.

Impact

The bill makes significant amendments to the Election Code and the Government Code, requiring that certain elections be held during the November uniform election date. It also mandates that joint elections are required for the approval of bonds or tax increases, meaning that all relevant propositions will be presented on a single ballot. This could streamline the voting process, therefore potentially increasing the efficiency of elections related to fiscal measures.

Summary

House Bill 1773 relates to the regulations surrounding elections that authorize political subdivisions to issue bonds or increase taxes. The bill introduces specific requirements aimed at ensuring higher voter participation before such measures can be approved. Notably, the legislation stipulates that any election regarding bonds or tax increases will only be effective if more than 25 percent of the registered voters participate in the voting process. This aims to promote a greater democratic mandate for financial decisions impacting local governance.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 1773 is to bolster voter turnout and ensure that local voters have a say in critical financial decisions, there may be contention over the implications for local governance. Some critics could argue that the required turnout threshold may make it more difficult for political subdivisions to secure necessary funding, especially in low-turnout areas. Furthermore, the requirement for joint elections could lead to voter fatigue, where the combination of multiple issues on a single ballot might overwhelm voters and affect their voting behavior.