Bill > SB506

This bill introduces several significant changes to Texas election law focused on improving ballot proposition transparency and fairness. The bill requires that ballot propositions must be written with "definiteness, certainty, and facial neutrality" to ensure voters are not misled, and establishes a review process where registered voters or city representatives can submit proposed ballot language to the Secretary of State for evaluation. If the Secretary of State determines a proposition is misleading, inaccurate, or prejudicial, the city must revise the language or the Secretary of State will draft the proposition. The bill also allows for mandamus actions (legal orders) to compel cities to comply with ballot language requirements, with potential attorney's fees awarded to plaintiffs who substantially prevail in such actions. Additionally, the bill prohibits political subdivisions from proposing measures on the same ballot that would invalidate or conflict with petition-initiated measures, and requires cities to submit ballot propositions to the Secretary of State for approval for four years following a court finding that a previous proposition was misleading. These provisions are designed to enhance voter understanding and prevent potential manipulation of ballot language. The changes will apply to petitions submitted on or after January 1, 2026, and the act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB506