Bill

HB 782

87(R) - 2021
House Elections
House Elections
Elections

Companion Bill

SB 1430

Contact the Author

Valoree Swanson

Phone:

512-463-0572

Capitol Office:

E1.406

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Valoree Swanson

Co-Author(s)

Briscoe Cain

Bill Caption

Relating to requirements for certain petitions requesting an election and ballot propositions.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 782 would require a proposition to substantially submit the question with such definiteness and certainty that the voters are not misled.  The bill would allow a person to seek from a court a writ of mandamus to compel the governing body of a city to comply with the requirement. HB 782 would also prohibit signature illegibility from disqualifying a signature for a petition so long as other verification requirements are met. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 782 because it aligns with our limited government and individual liberty principles. Municipal governments should not be allowed to purposefully use confusing language to distort the meaning of a ballot proposition in order to unduly influence voters or influence the outcome of a ballot proposition. 

Contact the Author

Valoree Swanson

Phone:

512-463-0572

Capitol Office:

E1.406

Email: