Texas House Bill HB35

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/14/25

Caption

Relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend the state constitution include an estimate of the fiscal impact to the state of the proposed amendment.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will affect how constitutional amendments are presented to voters in Texas. Specifically, the Legislative Budget Board will be tasked with estimating costs—whether recurring or one-time—associated with proposed amendments. These estimates will need to be clearly stated on the ballot, providing a new framework for voters to assess the potential financial impact of their voting choices. This shift aims to foster a more responsible voting environment where economic repercussions are considered alongside political ones.

Summary

House Bill 35 seeks to implement a requirement that any ballot for an election aimed at amending the state constitution must include an estimated fiscal impact associated with the proposed amendment. This measure is designed to enhance transparency for voters by providing them with crucial financial information, thus enabling informed decision-making during elections. The bill amends Section 274.001 of the Election Code, which outlines the form of amendments on ballots, and introduces a new subsection responsible for detailing the fiscal implications of the amendments being proposed.

Contention

While the proposed change has been framed as beneficial for voter education and fiscal responsibility, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics could argue that the fiscal estimates provided may not always reflect the true impact of amendments, potentially leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by the electorate. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the workload this requirement may place on the Legislative Budget Board, which will need to establish protocols for providing these estimates in a timely manner.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 274. Constitutional Amendments
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 314. Fiscal Notes And Cost Projections
  • Section: New Section