HB 565

relating to a requirement that the ballot for an election to amend
the state constitution include an estimate of the cost to the state
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 274.001, Election Code,
Sec. 274.001.  FORM OF AMENDMENT ON BALLOT; COST ESTIMATE.
SECTION 2.  Section 274.001, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(d)  For each proposition submitting a proposed
constitutional amendment, the secretary of state shall prepare for
placement on the ballot an estimate of the anticipated cost to the
state of the proposed amendment during the state fiscal biennium in
which the proposed amendment takes effect should the proposition be
approved at the election.  The secretary of state may request the
assistance of the Legislative Budget Board in preparing the
estimate required by this subsection.
SECTION 3.  Section 274.003(a), Election Code, is amended to
(a)  For each proposed constitutional amendment, the
secretary of state shall certify in writing for placement on the
(1)  the wording of the proposition submitting the
(2)  the cost estimate prepared for the proposition
SECTION 4.  The secretary of state may adopt rules as
necessary to implement and administer Section 274.001(d), Election
SECTION 5.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
a ballot for an election on a proposed constitutional amendment
ordered on or after the effective date of this Act.  An election on a
proposed constitutional amendment 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 that
SECTION 6.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.