May 23, 2017 — Austin

The Texas REALTORS® applauds the 85th Texas Legislature for its unanimous support of the election transparency provided in Senate Bill 957. This important legislation will bring clarity to Texas ballots and end the confusing practice of state and local propositions using the same naming conventions.

“We appreciate that every member of the 85th Texas Legislature voted in support of this bill all the way through the legislative process,” said TAR Chairman Vicki Fullerton. “SB 957 received bipartisan support in both chambers because lawmakers know voters deserve clarity about what’s on our ballots.”

The legislation sets naming criteria so voters can clearly differentiate between local and state propositions and can easily identify which governmental entity is requesting the election.

TAR especially commends the bill’s authors, Sens. Donna Campbell and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and sponsors, Reps. Jodie Laubenberg, Larry Gonzales, Gina Hinojosa, Charlie Geren, and Toni Rose, for leading the effort to clarify Texas ballots.

“We look forward to Gov. Greg Abbott signing SB 957 so it can become law immediately and we can see the new proposition-naming conventions implemented in the November 2017 election,” Fullerton said.