The bill, H.B. No. 50, mandates that ballots for elections proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution must include an estimate of the fiscal impact of the proposed amendment. 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 costs 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 bills or resolutions that require state funds. It specifies that for joint resolutions to amend the constitution, the Legislative Budget Board must assess the estimated costs and notify the Secretary of State accordingly. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to adopt necessary rules for implementation and clarifies that the changes will apply only to ballots for elections ordered after the bill's effective date.

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