The bill, introduced by Tepper as H.B. No. 35, mandates that ballots for elections proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution include an estimate of the fiscal impact of the proposed amendments. Specifically, it amends Section 274.001 of the Election Code to require the Secretary of State to prepare a statement regarding the estimated costs associated with the amendment, as determined by the Legislative Budget Board. This includes distinguishing between recurring and one-time costs, with specific language to be included on the ballot based on the type of cost identified.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 314.001 of the Government Code to establish a system for fiscal notes that detail the probable costs of each joint resolution that proposes a constitutional amendment. The Legislative Budget Board is tasked with determining the estimated costs and notifying the Secretary of State accordingly. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to adopt necessary rules for implementation and specifies that the changes will apply only to ballots for 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 (Election Code 274, Government Code 314)