Bill > HB1638

This bill amends the Texas Election Code to allow certain small cities to change their general election date to the November uniform election date. Specifically, the bill applies to cities with a population of 9,000 or less, located predominantly in a county with a total area less than 6,200 square miles, and that have a council-manager form of government. These cities can choose to move their general election to the November uniform election date (which is a standard election day used for many local and state elections) at any time before December 31, 2026. The existing provisions about changing election dates will still apply to this process, and the provision itself will expire on January 1, 2027. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. The purpose appears to be providing flexibility for small, specific cities to align their local election timing with a more standard election date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1638