Bill > HB51

This bill establishes a new process for home-rule municipalities in Texas regarding citizen-initiated ordinances and referenda. Under the new law, when citizens petition to adopt, amend, or repeal a municipal measure, the municipality must submit the proposed measure to the state Attorney General within five days of receiving the petition. The Attorney General then has 30 days (with a possible two-week extension) to review the measure and determine whether any portion would violate state law. If the Attorney General finds a violation, the municipality cannot hold an election on that measure. If the Attorney General fails to respond within the prescribed timeframe, the municipality must order an election. Any election on such a measure must be held on a uniform election date, and this new process supersedes any conflicting provisions in a municipal charter. The bill repeals a previous section of law related to municipal initiatives and applies only to petitions submitted on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB51