An Act Relating to the Text of Ballot Propositions that Increase Taxes

Summary

This model seeks to provide voters with additional information regarding the effect on their property tax bills should they approve a tax rate increase or approve bonds. This model is intended to provide clear information to voters so they can make an informed decision to approve the ballot measure or not.  

An Act Relating to the Text of Ballot Propositions that Increase Taxes

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF {insert state}: 

Section 1. {Insert Relevant Code Section} is amended to read as follows: 

(a) In addition to any other requirement imposed by law for a proposition, including a provision prescribing the proposed language, a proposition submitted to the voters for approval of the imposition, increase, or reduction of a Property tax shall, except as otherwise required by this subsection, be printed in mixed-case typewritten letters and, as applicable. 

  1. with respect to a proposition that only seeks voter approval of the imposition or increase of a tax: 
    • (a) state the amount of or maximum tax rate of the tax or tax increase for which approval is sought; and 
    • (b) include, at the top of the proposition in capital typewritten letters of the same font size as the rest of the proposition, the statement “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE;” or 
  2. with respect to a proposition that only seeks voter approval of the reduction of a tax:
    • (A) state the amount of tax rate reduction or the tax rate for which approval is sought. 
    • (B) include, at the top of the proposition in capital typewritten letters of the same font size as the rest of the proposition, the statement “THIS IS A TAX DECREASE”.

Section 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act.