S.B. No. 506 introduces several amendments to the Election Code aimed at enhancing the clarity and fairness of ballot propositions. A new requirement is established that mandates propositions to be presented with "definiteness, certainty, and facial neutrality" to ensure voters are not misled. Additionally, the bill allows for a writ of mandamus to compel city governing bodies to comply with this requirement if a court orders a new election. The Secretary of State is also given the authority to review ballot propositions for misleading or prejudicial language, and cities must address any deficiencies identified within a specified timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits political subdivisions from proposing measures that would appear on the same ballot as petition-initiated measures if they address the same subject matter or conflict with the petition. Any such conflicting measures would be rendered void. The provisions of this Act will apply only to petitions submitted on or after January 1, 2026, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 52.072, Election Code 253.094, Election Code 277.001, Election Code 277.002, Local Government Code 9.004, Election Code 277.004 (Election Code 253, Election Code 52, Election Code 277, Local Government Code 9)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 52.072, Election Code 253.094 (Election Code 253, Election Code 52, Election Code 277, Local Government Code 9)
Engrossed: Election Code 52.072, Election Code 253.094 (Election Code 253, Election Code 52, Election Code 277, Local Government Code 9)
House Committee Report: Election Code 52.072 (Election Code 253, Election Code 52, Election Code 277, Local Government Code 9)
Enrolled: Election Code 52.072 (Election Code 253, Election Code 52, Election Code 277, Local Government Code 9)