Texas House Bill HB1132

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of an independent school district to change the date of the general election for officers.

Impact

The effect of HB1132 could be significant, as aligning school board election dates with the state’s uniform election schedule may increase voter turnout for these local elections. By enabling independent school districts to synchronize their elections with a scheduled date when a larger number of voters are likely to participate, the bill could enhance community engagement in local education governance. This alignment is seen as a potential benefit to both voters and school districts seeking broader participation in decision-making related to education policy.

Summary

House Bill 1132 aims to amend the Texas Election Code to grant independent school districts the authority to change their general election date for officers to coincide with the November uniform election date. Specifically, the bill allows these school districts to make this change by December 31, 2024. This intention is reflected in the new subsection added to Section 41.0052 of the Election Code, which sets forth the parameters under which independent school districts can adjust their election timelines before they expire in early 2025.

Contention

There could be potential points of contention surrounding this legislation, particularly regarding local governance and the autonomy of school boards. While proponents of HB1132 argue it simplifies the electoral process and may lead to higher participation rates, opponents might express concerns that it takes away the flexibility of school districts to set their own election dates based on local needs and contexts. The effectiveness of the bill will likely be evaluated in terms of its actual impact on voter turnout and the administrative adjustments required by school districts.