The bill, S.B. No. 1192, mandates that the ballot for elections proposing amendments to the Texas state constitution must include an estimate of the anticipated cost to the state associated with the proposed amendment. Specifically, it amends Section 274.001 of the Election Code to require the Secretary of State to prepare this cost estimate for each proposition, which will be included on the ballot. The Secretary of State may seek assistance from the Legislative Budget Board in preparing these estimates.

Additionally, the bill modifies the certification process for proposed constitutional amendments by requiring the inclusion of the cost estimate alongside the wording of the proposition and its number. The changes will only apply to ballots for elections ordered on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This ensures that any elections ordered prior to this date will follow the existing laws without the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 274.001, Election Code 274.003 (Election Code 274)