Bill > HB5018

This bill mandates that the governing bodies of all taxing entities (governmental bodies with the power to impose taxes) must be elected by popular vote, with an important exception for members appointed by the governor. Specifically, the bill adds Section 180.011 to the Local Government Code, requiring that any political subdivision or governmental entity with tax-imposing authority must have an elected governing body. The legislation does not apply to gubernatorial appointees, meaning those board or commission members directly chosen by the state governor would be exempt from the election requirement. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, which provides ample time for governmental entities to adjust their governance structures to comply with the new mandate. This change aims to increase democratic accountability by ensuring that those who have the power to levy taxes are directly chosen by the voters who will be paying those taxes.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5018