H.B. No. 68 proposes to amend the Education Code regarding the voter approval threshold for school district bond elections. The bill modifies Section 45.003 by changing the required voter approval from a simple majority to three-fifths for issuing bonds and levying taxes under Section 45.001. Additionally, it introduces new subsections (a-1) and (a-2), which stipulate that taxes described by Section 45.002 may only be levied with a majority approval from qualified voters. The new language also mandates that each election related to these matters must be called by a resolution or order from the governing board or commissioners court, detailing essential information about the election.

The bill specifies that the amended provisions will only apply to elections ordered on or after its effective date of January 1, 2026, contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature in 2025. If the amendment is not approved by voters, the bill will have no effect. This legislative change aims to increase the threshold for voter approval, thereby potentially making it more challenging for school districts to secure funding through bond elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 45.003 (Education Code 45)