HB 50 would require the ballot language for proposed Texas constitutional amendments to include a fiscal impact statement prepared by the secretary of state using estimates from the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). For each constitutional amendment proposition, the ballot would state either the estimated recurring cost or savings over a specified number of years, or the estimated one-time cost or savings to the state, depending on the LBB’s determination. The measure also updates the Election Code to require the secretary of state to certify this cost-estimate statement along with the proposition text and number.
To support that ballot disclosure, the bill amends the Government Code to direct the LBB to determine the estimated cost of each enacted constitutional amendment and whether that cost is recurring or one-time. The LBB may rely on its existing fiscal note calculations, including those for the joint resolution and any enabling legislation, as well as relevant appropriations. The secretary of state is authorized to adopt rules to implement the new ballot-cost statement requirement. The bill applies only to constitutional amendment elections ordered on or after its effective date.
Impact
HB 50 would change the procedures for placing proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot by adding a mandatory fiscal-impact disclosure. It would amend Sections 274.001 and 274.003 of the Election Code and Section 314.001 of the Government Code, creating a new role for the Legislative Budget Board in estimating costs or savings for constitutional amendments and requiring the secretary of state to print that estimate on the ballot. The bill would not change the substance of constitutional amendments themselves, but it would affect how voters receive information about them and could influence ballot formatting and election administration.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from the legislative record included here. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears informational and transparency-focused, aiming to give voters more context about the fiscal consequences of constitutional amendments. The absence of discussion or vote data makes it difficult to assess the level of enthusiasm or resistance among lawmakers.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is whether fiscal estimates should appear on the ballot for constitutional amendments at all, since such statements could affect voter perception and may be viewed as either helpful transparency or as potentially persuasive language. Another possible issue is the reliability and framing of the LBB’s estimates, including how recurring versus one-time costs are determined and whether the ballot wording could oversimplify complex fiscal effects. The bill text itself does not identify any specific opponents or supporters, and no transcript evidence is available to show which concerns were raised.
Relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend the state constitution include an estimate of the fiscal impact to the state of the proposed amendment.
Relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend the state constitution include an estimate of the fiscal impact to the state of the proposed amendment.
Relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend the state constitution include an estimate of the cost to the state of the proposed amendment.
Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote, including the eligibility of certain voters to vote a limited federal ballot if the voter cannot supply the required proof and the procedures for the counting of those ballots; creating criminal offenses.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.