SB 1025 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the text of ballot propositions that increase taxes.

SB 1025 requires that ballot propositions seeking voter approval for tax increases must clearly state the specific tax amount or maximum rate and include the phrase "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" in capital letters, using the same font size as the rest of the proposition. This applies only to future tax-related ballot measures in Texas elections (effective September 1, 2025, but enacted immediately upon the governor's signature on May 24, 2025). The bill directly affects voters and election officials by standardizing the wording of tax increase proposals on ballots. It does not change tax policy but ensures voters receive clear, upfront information about tax increases before voting.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Jan 30, 2025 Signed May 24, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Enrolled · 3 edits · May 24, 2025
MINOR
This bill was converted from an Engrossed version to an Enrolled version, which is the final signed version ready for implementation. The substantive policy content remains largely the same, but the effective date provision was modified to allow for immediate effect if a two-thirds vote is obtained, otherwise defaulting to September 1, 2025. The bill requires ballot propositions about tax increases to clearly state the amount or maximum tax rate and include the statement 'THIS IS A TAX INCREASE' in capital letters.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on requiring clear disclosure of tax increases on ballot propositions, with no change to the substantive requirements for voters or election officials.
TIMELINE

The effective date provision was changed to allow immediate effect if a two-thirds vote is obtained in both legislative chambers, otherwise the law takes effect September 1, 2025.

TECHNICAL

Formatting and layout were updated to match the Enrolled version format, including proper spacing, line breaks, and signature lines for legislative approval.

Added certification statements from the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House confirming passage dates and vote counts.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 20, 2025 · House May 8, 2025

How they voted

244
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 30
Mar 20, 2025
D Democratic10
5 Yea 4 Nay 1
50% Yea
R Republican20
19 Yea 1
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
51
Key actions
14
Committee
10
Amendments
4
May 24, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor
executive
May 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
May 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
May 12, 2025
Introduced
Senate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
lower
May 12, 2025
Introduced
Senate concurs in House amendment(s)
upper
May 12, 2025
Introduced
House amendment(s) laid before the Senate
upper
May 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
House passage as amended reported
upper
May 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Apr 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to Ways & Means
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Mar 25, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Mar 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Mar 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Committee
Referred to Local Government
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors