BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 414 By: Middleton Local Government 3/14/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Currently, bond election language states the principle which will be approved as well as an explanation of how a bond would serve the political subdivision. In only stating the principle, many data points are not included which prohibit taxpayers from calculating the total costs they would incur if they were to pay off the bond in its entirety. This practice lacks transparency, leaving the voter without the full picture of how their money would be used. As proposed, S.B. 414 amends current law relating to the text of ballot propositions for bond elections. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Reenacts and amends Subchapter B, Chapter 1251, Government Code, as added by Chapters 728 (H.B. 477) and 505 (S.B. 30), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, as follows: SUBCHAPTER B. BALLOT FOR DEBT OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION Sec. 1251.051. DEFINITIONS. Makes no changes to this section. Sec. 1251.052. FORM. (a) Requires that the ballot for a measure seeking voter approval of the issuance of debt obligations by a political subdivision specifically state certain information, including the estimated interest for the debt obligations to be authorized and the estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full to maturity the debt obligations to be authorized. Makes nonsubstantive changes. (a-1)-(e) Makes no changes to these subsections. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 414
By: Middleton
Local Government
3/14/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 414
By: Middleton
Local Government
3/14/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, bond election language states the principle which will be approved as well as an explanation of how a bond would serve the political subdivision. In only stating the principle, many data points are not included which prohibit taxpayers from calculating the total costs they would incur if they were to pay off the bond in its entirety. This practice lacks transparency, leaving the voter without the full picture of how their money would be used.
As proposed, S.B. 414 amends current law relating to the text of ballot propositions for bond elections.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Reenacts and amends Subchapter B, Chapter 1251, Government Code, as added by Chapters 728 (H.B. 477) and 505 (S.B. 30), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER B. BALLOT FOR DEBT OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Sec. 1251.051. DEFINITIONS. Makes no changes to this section.
Sec. 1251.052. FORM. (a) Requires that the ballot for a measure seeking voter approval of the issuance of debt obligations by a political subdivision specifically state certain information, including the estimated interest for the debt obligations to be authorized and the estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full to maturity the debt obligations to be authorized. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
(a-1)-(e) Makes no changes to these subsections.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.