Texas House Bill HB198

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/18/25

Caption

Relating to the administration of an election for a member of a board of trustees of an independent school district.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB198 aim to impact the electoral framework of school districts significantly. By establishing a unified election date for trustees and state-level offices, the bill encourages greater voter participation and ensures that school district elections coincide with broader civic decision-making events. Additionally, the alteration of trustee terms may lead to more stable governance due to the extended time allocated for trustees to work on long-term initiatives without the disruption of frequent elections.

Summary

House Bill 198 seeks to amend the Education Code of Texas by modifying the administration of elections for members of a board of trustees within independent school districts. Notably, the bill stipulates that trustee elections will be held on the same day as the general election for state and county officers. This alignment is intended to improve voter turnout and streamline electoral processes, thereby potentially enhancing public engagement in school governance. Furthermore, the bill modifies the length of trustee terms from three years to four years for upcoming elections, thereby reducing the frequency of elections and associated costs for school districts.

Contention

While supporters argue that these changes will enhance efficiency and engagement, there may be opposition regarding the reduction of election frequency. Concerns could be raised about the potential decrease in accountability that might come with extended terms, as less frequent elections could lessen opportunities for voters to express their dissatisfaction with trustees' performance. Additionally, shifting to a single election date might disadvantage school districts that require tailored election periods due to their unique circumstances.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 11. School Districts
  • Section: 0581
  • Section: 059
  • Section: New Section

Election Code

• Chapter 41. Election Dates And Hours For Voting
  • Section: 0052