H.B. No. 96 proposes amendments to the Election Code and other related laws regarding the issuance of general obligation bonds and the approval of ad valorem tax rate increases. The bill mandates that elections for these purposes must be held on the November uniform election date and prohibits such elections from being classified as emergency elections. Additionally, if any existing law requires an election to be held on a different date, the election date must be adjusted to comply with this new requirement. The bill also introduces a supermajority voting requirement, stipulating that at least three-fifths of voters must approve the issuance of general obligation bonds or tax rate increases.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing provisions in the Health and Safety Code and the Tax Code to replace the term "majority" with "three-fifths" in relation to voter approval for tax rates and bond issuances. This change applies to various sections, ensuring that a higher threshold of voter support is necessary for these financial decisions. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, contingent upon the approval of a related constitutional amendment by voters. If the amendment is not approved, the provisions regarding the supermajority vote will not take effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 281.124, Special District Local Laws Code 1101.254, Tax Code 26.063, Tax Code 26.07, Tax Code 26.08 (Health and Safety Code 281, Tax Code 26, Special District Local Laws Code 1101)