TX HB631

Requires ballot propositions for city charter amendments or voter-initiated initiatives/referendums to use wording identical to the caption on the corresponding petition

Establishes that city secretaries must verify petition validity within 30 days of receipt and cannot invalidate petitions based on inadequate caption language; illegible signatures cannot be rejected if accompanying information demonstrates signer eligibility

Directs the Secretary of State to adopt and publish a standard petition form by January 1, 2026, which must include circulator name, measure caption, signer information (name, signature, date of birth or voter registration number, address, date), and notarized circulator affidavit

Allows qualified voters to seek mandamus relief to compel city compliance with ballot language requirements, with courts required to prioritize such cases and permitted to award attorney's fees to prevailing petitioners

Protects charter amendments adopted through petition-initiated elections from repeal except through another petition-initiated election held specifically for that purpose; new or revised city charters must retain such amendments unless properly repealed