H.B. No. 565 mandates that ballots for elections proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution include an estimate of the fiscal impact of the proposed amendments. The bill amends Section 274.001 of the Election Code to add a new requirement for the Secretary of State to prepare specific statements regarding the estimated costs associated with each proposed amendment. These statements will indicate whether the amendment incurs a recurring or one-time cost, as determined by the Legislative Budget Board, and will include the estimated financial implications for the state.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 314.001 of the Government Code to establish a system for fiscal notes that identify the probable costs of bills or resolutions that require state funds. It specifies that for joint resolutions to amend the constitution, the Legislative Budget Board must determine the estimated costs and notify the Secretary of State accordingly. The changes will apply to ballots for elections ordered on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 274.001, Election Code 274.003 (Election Code 274)
House Committee Report: Election Code 274.001, Election Code 274.003, Government Code 314.001 (Election Code 274, Government Code 314)
Engrossed: Election Code 274.001, Election Code 274.003, Government Code 314.001 (Election Code 274, Government Code 314)