Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the launch of the Local Government Bond, Tax, and Project Transparency Database, an online tool that provides the public with transparent access to current and historical information on local government bonds, voter-approved tax rate elections and related projects statewide.
“This database empowers taxpayers with timely, accessible information on bonds, tax rate elections and project spending,” Hancock said. “It reflects our commitment to transparency and informed decision-making across Texas communities.” The database also advances the intent of its enabling leg-islation, House Bill 103, to give Texans clearer insight into how local bond issuances and tax rates impact property tax burdens. Consolidating this information in one publicly accessible place empowers taxpayers to better evaluate proposals and engage more fully in local fiscal decision- making.
Under HB 103, the comptroller’s office, working with the Texas Bond Review Board, is responsible for developing and maintaining the system. Local taxing units must report required data to the comptroller, including a one-time submission of historical information covering tax years 2015 through 2025 by Jan. 1, 2026.
All future bonds and voter-approved tax rates from May or November elections must be reported by Aug. 7 following the election. Key database fields include, but are not limited to ballot language for bonds; projected tax rates for debt service; lists of funded projects and an accounting of the use of bond proceeds; and tax rate changes resulting from issued bonds.
Additional data includes election results for bond or tax rate elections; proposed or approved maintenance tax rates for school districts; and ballot language for school district maintenance taxes.
For more details or submission guidance, visit the Texas Comptroller’s website.