Bill

HB 3204

86(R) - 2019
House Public Education
House Public Education

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Scott Sanford
Valoree Swanson

Bill Caption

Relating to the form of ballot propositions and certain voter information document requirements for an election seeking authorization for the issuance of school district bonds supported by property taxes.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 3204 would prohibit a ballot for an election to authorize the issuance of bonds by the governing board of an independent school district or a county commissioners court from containing more than two propositions as follows: (1) a proposition to issue bonds for new infrastructure projects that provides for voting for or against authorizing the issuance of bonds to support all new infrastructure projects listed in the proposition; and (2) a proposition to issue bonds for replacements and upgrades projects that provides for voting for or against authorizing the issuance of bonds to support all replacements and upgrades projects listed in the proposition.

This bill would also require the entity that called such an election to prepare a voter information document for each proposition to be voted on at the election, and sets out the required contents of the document, which must be posted in the same manner that a debt obligation election order must be posted.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action recommends supporting HB 3204 because it promotes our principle of limited government. This bill would increase transparency in the current process for issuing debt through school district bond elections and help provide voters with sufficient information to make an informed decision.

Organizations Supporting

Texas Public Policy Foundation