Texas House Bill HB4199

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/25

Caption

Relating to requiring the partisan elections of officers for each political subdivision of this state in even-numbered years.

Impact

The proposed legislation would necessitate amendments to existing Education and Election Codes, affecting when elections for trustees of independent school districts and other local offices are held. Specifically, it amends provisions to ensure that these elections align with statewide election dates. This change could lead to increased voter turnout as elections occur on more prominent dates, likely when voters are already engaged in selecting state and national representatives.

Summary

House Bill 4199 aims to require that partisan elections for local officers be scheduled to coincide with the general election for state and county officers in even-numbered years. This bill reflects an effort to unify election dates across various political subdivisions, which includes municipalities, school districts, and other local government entities. By centralizing election dates, the bill seeks to enhance voter participation and streamline the electoral process within the state of Texas.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB 4199 may include concerns over local control versus state mandates, as some local governments might prefer the autonomy to set their election dates according to community preferences and needs. Furthermore, there is the question of whether aligning these elections will indeed lead to the anticipated increase in voter turnout or if it might overwhelm voters with more candidates and issues on their ballots during general elections.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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

Election Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

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

• Chapter 143. Candidate For City Office
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 172. Primary Elections
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 144. Candidate For Office Of Political Subdivision Other Than County Or City
  • Section: New Section

Local Government Code

• Chapter 23. Aldermanic Form Of Government In Type B General-law Municipality
  • Section: 023

• Chapter 24. Commission Form Of Government In General-law Municipality
  • Section: 023