Texas House Bill HJR31

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/20/25

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment increasing the threshold of voter approval for a school district bond election.

Impact

The amendment aims to provide school districts with more stringent requirements for passing bond elections, which could lead to decreased funding for school projects unless a larger consensus is achieved among voters. Supporters of HJR31 argue that a higher approval threshold will ensure that only projects with strong community backing are funded, potentially resulting in wiser fiscal management and prioritization of necessary improvements. However, the bill also raises concerns about creating barriers to obtaining crucial funding for school infrastructure, particularly in districts that may struggle to gather sufficient voter support.

Summary

HJR31 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the threshold for voter approval of school district bond elections from a simple majority to three-fifths of the votes cast. This amendment seeks to modify Section 3, Article VII of the Texas Constitution, specifically targeting the approval process for ad valorem taxes levied for school district bonds, thereby potentially influencing future school financing mechanisms across Texas. The proposed change is expected to have a significant impact on how school districts fund their operations and manage debt through bond issuance.

Contention

The debate surrounding HJR31 includes significant discussion on the implications of increasing the voter approval requirement. Proponents assert that it represents a move towards responsible fiscal governance and greater accountability in school funding decisions. Conversely, opponents of the bill argue that it may exacerbate funding inequities among school districts, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where achieving a three-fifths majority could be significantly more challenging. There are fears that this amendment could hinder necessary upgrades and maintenance of school facilities, which are critical for providing a proper learning environment.