HB 3655
AN ACT relating to increasing the threshold of voter approval for a school
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Increases the voter approval threshold for school district bonds from a simple majority (50% + 1) to a three-fifths (60%) majority, meaning school districts will now require a higher percentage of voter support to issue bonds or levy certain taxes. The change applies to elections ordered on or after January 1, 2026, and will only take effect if a corresponding constitutional amendment is approved by voters in 2025. This could make it more challenging for school districts to pass bond proposals and secure funding for infrastructure, improvements, and other capital expenses.
Bill Text
relating to increasing the threshold of voter approval for a school BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 45.003, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) to (a) Bonds described by Section 45.001 may not be issued and taxes described by that section [Section 45.001 or 45.002] may not be levied unless authorized by three-fifths [a majority] of the qualified voters of the district, voting at an election held for that purpose, at the expense of the district, in accordance with the Election Code, except as provided by this section. (a-1) Taxes described by Section 45.002 may not be levied unless authorized by a majority of the qualified voters of the district, voting at an election held for that purpose, at the expense of the district, in accordance with the Election Code, except as provided by this section. (a-2) Each election described by Subsection (a) or (a-1) must be called by resolution or order of the governing board or commissioners court. The resolution or order must state the date of the election, the proposition or propositions to be submitted and voted on, the polling place or places, and any other matters considered necessary or advisable by the governing board or SECTION 2. Section 45.003(a), Education Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act. An election ordered before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the election was ordered, and the former law is continued in effect for SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2026, but only if the constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, increasing the threshold of voter approval for a school district bond election is approved by the voters. If that amendment is not approved by the voters, this Act has no
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to increasing the threshold of voter approval for a school
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