HB 565 – Constitutional Amendments Cost Estimate

HB 565 increases transparency by requiring voters to be informed about how much proposed constitutional amendments could cost the state. When a constitutional amendment appears on the ballot, it would now include an estimate—either a recurring or one-time amount—based on analysis from the Legislative Budget Board. This empowers taxpayers with critical financial information before they vote, discouraging costly, unnecessary constitutional changes. By helping voters understand long-term fiscal impacts, the bill serves as a check on government growth. It encourages lawmakers to be more cautious when proposing amendments that would expand government spending or create new state programs. This reform prioritizes fiscal responsibility and government accountability