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89(R) HB 2253 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
H.B. No. 2253
AN ACT
relating to the authority to cancel certain elections on a measure
to authorize the issuance of bonds.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Section 2.081, Election Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 2.081. CANCELLATION OF [
MOOT
] MEASURE.
SECTION 2. Section 2.081, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) and amending Subsections (b) and
(c) to read as follows:
(a-1)
Not later than the 74th day before election day, the
authority that ordered an election on a measure to authorize the
issuance of bonds may cancel the election on the measure if:
(1)
not earlier than the 90th day before the date of
the election on the measure, the governor issues a disaster
declaration under Chapter 418, Government Code, regarding a natural
disaster or other disaster threatening the health, safety, or
general welfare of the authority's residents; and
(2)
the governing body of the authority, after holding
an open meeting under Subsection (a-2), determines by majority vote
that canceling the election on the measure is necessary:
(A)
due to damage to the authority's election
system;
(B)
to avoid harm to the authority's election
workers; or
(C)
to avoid harm to voters within the
authority's jurisdiction.
(a-2)
The governing body of an authority may hold an open
meeting solely to deliberate whether to cancel an election on a
measure to authorize the issuance of bonds due to the issuance of a
disaster declaration described by Subsection (a-1).
To the extent
practicable under the circumstances, the governing body shall
provide reasonable public notice of the meeting and allow members
of the public and the press to observe the meeting.
(b) If
an election on
a measure is
canceled or the measure is
removed from the ballot
[
declared moot
] under this section [
and is
removed from the ballot
], the authority holding the election shall
post notice of the
cancellation or removal
[
declaration
] during
early voting by personal appearance and on election day, at each
polling place that would have been used for the election on the
measure.
(c) A county election officer, as defined by Section 31.091,
may use a single combined notice of cancellation under Subsection
(b) for all authorities:
(1) for which the officer provides election services
under contract; and
(2) that
cancel an election on a measure or remove a
measure from the ballot
[
declare an election moot
] under Subsection
(a)
or (a-1)
.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
______________________________
______________________________
President of the Senate
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2253 was passed by the House on May
14, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 123, Nays 17, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2253 was passed by the Senate on May
26, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor