Relating to the text of ballot propositions that increase taxes.
Summary
HB 5446 would change the Election Code requirements for ballot propositions that ask voters to approve a tax increase or the imposition of a new tax. For propositions seeking approval of a tax imposition or increase, the bill requires the ballot language to state the amount of the tax or the maximum tax rate being sought and to include the phrase “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” at the top of the proposition in capital letters, in the same font size as the rest of the text. For propositions seeking a tax reduction, the bill requires the ballot to state the amount of the reduction or the resulting tax rate.
The bill is aimed at making tax-related ballot measures more explicit and easier for voters to understand at the point of voting. It applies only to elections ordered on or after the bill’s effective date, and it would take effect immediately if it receives the constitutionally required two-thirds vote in each chamber; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill amends Section 52.072(e) of the Texas Election Code, adding a mandatory disclosure label for ballot propositions that seek to impose or increase taxes and clarifying the information required for tax-reduction propositions. Its practical effect would be to standardize ballot wording for local and other tax elections, potentially affecting counties, cities, school districts, and other taxing entities that place tax propositions before voters. Election officials and local governments would need to ensure ballot language complies with the new formatting and disclosure requirements for covered elections.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the bill was treated as a tax-transparency measure rather than a broadly controversial policy change. Its focus on clearer ballot language and voter notice is generally consistent with public-facing election disclosure reforms. However, the bill did not advance to final passage in the House and was laid on the table subject to call, indicating that while the concept may have had some support, it did not secure enough momentum for enactment during the session.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the mandatory framing of tax propositions as “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE,” which supporters may view as necessary voter disclosure and opponents may see as argumentative or potentially biasing ballot language. Another possible issue is whether the bill’s requirements could conflict with existing ballot-format rules or create implementation burdens for local election administrators and taxing authorities. No committee transcript or recorded vote is available here, so specific arguments from legislators are not documented in the provided materials.