A school district bond would need three-fifths of voters instead of a majority
What it does
HB 238 would raise the vote needed to approve a school district bond from a majority of qualified voters to three-fifths of them. Tax measures authorized under Section 45.002 of the Education Code would still need only a majority. The new rule would apply only to elections ordered on or after the effective date, and each such election must be called by resolution or order of the school board or commissioners court that states the date, the propositions, and the polling places. The bill has no effect unless voters approve a related constitutional amendment, and if they do, the bill takes effect January 1, 2028.
What it means for your community
When your school district puts a bond on the ballot, it would take three-fifths of qualified voters to pass instead of a simple majority, so a measure that wins a majority of the vote could still fall short. A bond election already ordered before the effective date would still follow the old rule. Voters would also decide the constitutional amendment that this bill depends on.
Have an opinion on HB 238?
Your lawmaker's office counts calls. Find yours and call in under a minute.
Call your lawmaker about HB 238Free weekly email
Get the Tuesday email
One short, plain-English recap of what the Legislature did last week. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
We describe legislation. We do not endorse or oppose it. If you spot an error, tell us and we will correct it.