constitutional amendment ballots must print the price tag

The text as introduced · 332 words

89R498 PRL-D

By: Kolkhorst
S.B. No. 1192

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend

the state constitution include an estimate of the cost to the state

of the proposed amendment.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The heading to Section 274.001, Election Code,

is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 274.001. FORM OF AMENDMENT ON BALLOT ; COST ESTIMATE .

SECTION 2. Section 274.001, Election Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d) For each proposition submitting a proposed

constitutional amendment, the secretary of state shall prepare for

placement on the ballot an estimate of the anticipated cost to the

state of the proposed amendment during the state fiscal biennium in

which the proposed amendment takes effect should the proposition be

approved at the election. The secretary of state may request the

assistance of the Legislative Budget Board in preparing the

estimate required by this subsection.

SECTION 3. Section 274.003(a), Election Code, is amended to

read as follows:

(a) For each proposed constitutional amendment, the

secretary of state shall certify in writing for placement on the

ballot:

(1) the wording of the proposition submitting the

amendment; [ and ]

(2) the cost estimate prepared for the proposition

under Section 274.001(d); and

(3) the proposition's number.

SECTION 4. The secretary of state may adopt rules as

necessary to implement and administer Section 274.001(d), Election

Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 5. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to

a ballot for an election on a proposed constitutional amendment

ordered on or after the effective date of this Act. An election on a

proposed constitutional amendment ordered before the effective

date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the election

was ordered, and the former law is continued in effect for that

purpose.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.