The Local Government Bond, Tax and Project Transparency Database is designed to provide residents with a centralized, searchable platform to view both current and historical information on local bond issuances, voter-approved tax rates and related infrastructure spending.
The database fulfills a central requirement of House Bill 103, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature earlier this year. Under the law, local taxing entities must report detailed financial data to the comptroller, including a one-time historical data submission covering tax years 2015 through 2025. That data must be submitted no later than Jan. 1, 2026.
Going forward, any new bonds or voter-approved tax rates must be reported by Aug. 7 following a May or November election.
“This database empowers taxpayers with timely, accessible information on bonds, tax rate elections and project spending,” Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock said in a statement, emphasizing its role in promoting informed civic participation.
The data required for submission includes a range of financial and election-related fields:
- Projected interest and sinking fund tax rates for proposed or issued bonds
- Election results and ballot language for bond and tax rate propositions
- Lists of funded projects and how bond proceeds are allocated
- Descriptions of any related increases in debt service tax rates
- School district maintenance tax rates and associated ballot language
The Comptroller’s Office developed the system in coordination with the Texas Bond Review Board and is responsible for organizing the data in compliance with Government Code Chapter 403, Subchapter V. However, the agency notes that it does not independently verify the accuracy of submissions, and advises users to contact local entities directly for questions related to specific financial actions or ballot initiatives.
The effort reflects broader legislative goals to simplify public access to data that has traditionally been fragmented across jurisdictions. By enabling direct comparisons and historical analysis, the system is intended to support better-informed decision-making among voters and local officials alike.
The database is available through the Texas Comptroller’s website, and a dedicated transparency hotline is in place to assist local governments with compliance and reporting questions.
