Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1310

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requirements for providing information regarding the issuance of certain proposed bonds by certain political subdivisions.

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing public financing. By mandating clear and publicly accessible information about bond issuances, HB 1310 seeks to empower voters and improve the democratic process surrounding financial decisions made by local governments. The requirement for such disclosures will likely lead to increased scrutiny of proposed bond measures and enhance public trust in governmental fiscal practices, fostering a more informed electorate.

Summary

House Bill 1310 aims to enhance transparency in the issuance of bonds by requiring specific disclosures from school districts, municipalities, and counties. Under the amended sections of the Education Code and Local Government Code, entities must distinctly state essential details regarding the purpose of the bonds, their amounts, and their interest rates when proposing such issuances. This legislative effort is positioned to ensure that voters are well-informed about bond propositions during elections, attaching clear accountability to the entities that seek to finance projects through bonds.

Contention

While the objective of enhancing transparency is widely recognized as beneficial, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its impact on the administrative burden placed on school districts and local governments. Critics might argue that the additional requirement to disclose specific bond information could complicate the bond issuance process. Conversely, supporters will likely advocate that transparency justifies the processes involved, promoting better fiscal responsibility and accountability among local governments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.