This bill mandates that the ballot for any election proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution must include an estimate of the fiscal impact of the proposed amendment. The bill amends Section 274.001 of the Election Code to add a new requirement for the Secretary of State to prepare a statement regarding the estimated costs associated with the amendment, which will be included on the ballot. Specifically, if the Legislative Budget Board determines that the amendment has a recurring or one-time cost, the ballot will reflect this with appropriate language indicating the estimated financial implications for the state.

Additionally, the bill modifies the certification process for proposed constitutional amendments by requiring the Secretary of State to include the cost estimate statement alongside the wording of the proposition and its number. It also establishes a system for the Legislative Budget Board to assess the fiscal impact of joint resolutions proposing constitutional amendments, ensuring that voters are informed of the potential financial consequences before casting their votes. The changes will apply only to elections ordered after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days following the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 274.001, Election Code 274.003, Government Code 314.001 (Government Code 314, Election Code 274)