Bond issue

Bond Issue

School bonds Bond issues on the ballot Municipal bonds

Bond basics Bonds and long-term debt

Types of bonds General obligation • Revenue

Bond issues on the ballot Average approval/rejection by state

Bond issues by state

Bond issues by year

Local school bonds

A bond issue as it applies to ballots is when a state government, or a local unit of government (city, county, school district) places a question before the voters as a ballot measure, asking them to approve or deny additional proposed spending. School districts and municipalities often make most use of bond election authority, but state governments utilize bonds as well.

Bonds issued by state governments and municipalities are both generally referred to as municipal bonds. Laws and regulations stipulating how and when bond issues go to a vote vary from state to state, and from locality to locality within states.

State legislatures or local units of government may place such a question before the voters in their political jurisdiction because of laws that prevent the unit of government from raising taxes or spending beyond a certain level without the approval of voters, as well as laws that require voter approval for the creation of any new public debt.

Bond basics

In finance, a bond is a debt in which the authorized issuer owes the holders a debt and is obliged to repay the principal and interest at a later date, termed maturity. Other stipulations may also be attached to the bond issue, such as the obligation for the issuer to provide certain information to the bond holder, or limitations on the behavior of the issuer.

Bonds are generally issued for a fixed term longer than ten years, and are as such categorized as long-term debt. New debt between one year and ten years is categorized as a "note", and new debt less than a year is categorized as a "bill".

A bond is simply a loan, but in the form of a security. Bonds are issued by corporations, non-profits, the federal government, as well as state and local governments.

In the case of a bond issued by a unit of government, the unit of government receives a loan from a private lender that is secured by the unit of government's assets, including its ongoing ability to generate income through taxation or the revenue from the financed project such as a bridge. The unit of government then owes principal and interest on that loan to the private lender.

Bonds and long-term debt

Bonds (long-term debt) play an important role in both private and public sector finance. State and local governments utilize bonds to finance numerous types of capital and infrastructure projects, such as roads, schools, prisons, and libraries. The use of bonds is increasingly popular with cash-constrained governments because it allows for the financing of projects without having to raise taxes in the immediate.

Issuance of bonds by state and local governments has ballooned over the years. As such, they are becoming increasingly scrutinized by voters across the nation as the subjects of taxes and debt become ever more important in the wake of continued economic trouble. Many state and local governments have laws and provisions that require tax payers approval for the issuance of new bonds or bonding authority.

Combined, state and local governments had approximately $322 billion in outstanding long-term debt in 1980 and over $2.5 trillion in 2008 - a 777% growth.

The graph below plots the growth in state and local government long-term debt over the last 30 years.

Types of bonds

There are two generally used types of bonds - revenue bonds and general obligation bonds. Revenue bonds are bonds whose payback provisions are tied to a specific revenue stream, such as tolls, fees, etc. General obligation bonds are backed by the full faith, credit, and taxing power of the issuing body (state government, city, etc.) and are considered public debt. Given that general obligation bonds have a wider backing (full taxing power), they generally carry lower interest rates than revenue bonds as they are considered a lower risk. That said, both forms of bonds are considered safe investments.

General obligation bonds

Since general obligation bonds constitute public debt, it is very common for states and municipalities to require their issuance be approved by voters at the ballot box.

An example of a general obligation bond that was approved by voters is Rhode Island Question 3, Transportation Bonds (2004). That bond issue allowed the state of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds in order to match federal transportation funds.

An example of a general obligation bond that was defeated by voters is California Proposition 81, Bonds for Libraries (June 2006), which would have authorized the state of California to sell $600 million of general obligation bonds to improve local library facilities.

Revenue bonds

Revenue bonds are not backed by the taxing power of the issuing authority and are instead paid back through earnings from the specific project they were issued for. As such, revenue bonds are not considered public debt. This means that, in general, revenue bonds do not have to go before voters as ballot propositions.

But revenue bonds are not without controversy or scrutiny. In recent years, taxpayer advocates have been calling for voter accountability in regards to revenue bonds as they are perceived as forms of unaccountable forms of government spending with too little checks on their growth and issuance.

Government or quasi-government entities that issue revenue bonds - such as a transportation authorities, water boards, and education commissions - generally have legislative authority to do so and the decisions are made internally.

Here is an example of a revenue bond that was proposed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission in 2005. In this example, the bonds are being issued to fund student loans. Interest revenue from the student loans are the only source available for payback of the bonds.

If for some reason the student loans do not generate sufficient revenues for repayment, the bonds will go unpaid - as the issuing entity can't tax or raise other revenue to pay them back.

Bond issues on statewide ballots

Below are statistics and analysis of bond issues that have appeared on statewide ballots since 2000. Even-numbered years historically have more statewide measures, bond issue or not, on the ballot than odd-numbered years.

Statewide bond issue results taken from all states (in percentages)

• Since 2000, a total of 83 bond issues have appeared on the ballot in 29 states.
• Each year, on average, 13.6% of bond issues on the ballot across the country are rejected, with 86.4% approved.
• A total of 49 bond issues have appeared on odd-year ballots. On average, odd-numbered years since 2000 have had about 8 bond issue measures on the ballot.
• A total of 129 bond issues have appeared on even-year ballots. On average, even-numbered years since 2000 have had about 22 bond issue measures on the ballot.

Average approval/rejection by state

Below is a table of states that have had statewide bond issue measures on the ballot since 2000, the average approval of those bond measures, and the average rejection.

State	Measures	a Approval	d Rejection
Alabama	2	100%	0%
Alaska	6	100%	0%
Arkansas	7	100%	0%
California	25	88%	12%
Colorado	3	33%	67%
Hawaii	2	100%	0%
Idaho	1	100%	0%
Louisiana	1	0%	100%
Maine	32	94%	6%
Michigan	1	100%	0%
Missouri	2	100%	0%
Nebraska	3	33%	67%
Nevada	1	100%	0%
New Jersey	4	100%	0%

State	Measures	a Approval	d Rejection
New Mexico	23	87%	13%
New York	2	50%	50%
North Carolina	1	100%	0%
Ohio	6	83%	17%
Oklahoma	1	100%	0%
Oregon	4	100%	0%
Pennsylvania	2	100%	0%
Rhode Island	32	84%	16%
Texas	15	93%	7%
Utah	1	0%	100%
Virginia	2	100%	0%
Washington	1	0%	100%
West Virginia	2	50%	50%

Bond issues by state

Click the tabs below to browse statewide ballot measures dealing with bond issues.

Note: Although above analysis shows results from 2000, below are all bond issues in Ballotpedia's database.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

1. Alabama Agricultural and Veterinary Facilities Bonds, Amendment 3 (1998)
2. Alabama Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Technology Bonds, Amendment 4 (1998)
3. Alabama Forensic Sciences Bonds, Amendment 6 (1998)
4. Alabama General Obligation Bond Amendment, Amendment 2 (2012)
5. Alabama Government Capital Improvement Trust Fund, Amendment 1 (2000)
6. Alabama Historical Sites and State Parks Bonds, Amendment 2 (1998)
7. Alabama Proposal 1, Bonds for the Capital Improvement Trust Fund (2007)

1. Alaska Airport Construction Bond, Proposition 4 (1968)
2. Alaska Airport Construction Bond, Proposition 5 (1972)
3. Alaska Airport Construction Bond, Proposition 6 (1966)
4. Alaska Airport Construction Bond, Proposition 8 (1976)
5. Alaska Airport Construction Bond, Proposition 9 (1970)
6. Alaska Authorization to Issue Veterans’ Housing Bonds Amendment (1982)
7. Alaska Bond Package Question, Bonding Proposition B (2010)
8. Alaska Bonds for Transportation, Proposition A (2008)
9. Alaska Bush Airfields Bond, Proposition 6 (1960)
10. Alaska Cost of Relocating State Capital (1978)
11. Alaska Educational and Museum Facilities, Bonding Proposition C (2002)
12. Alaska Ferry Construction Bond, Proposition 10 (1970)
13. Alaska Ferry Construction Bond, Proposition 3 (1966)
14. Alaska Ferry Construction Bond, Proposition 7 (1968)
15. Alaska Ferry and Road Bond, Proposition 2 (1960)
16. Alaska Fire Fighter Training Bond, Proposition 1 (1976)
17. Alaska Fire Protection Bond, Proposition 1 (1974)
18. Alaska Fish Hatchery Construction Bond, Proposition 8 (1968)
19. Alaska Fish and Game Bond, Proposition 7 (1974)
20. Alaska Fish and Game Management Facilities Bond, Proposition 4 (1976)
21. Alaska Flood Control and Small Boat Harbor Bond, Proposition 7 (1972)
22. Alaska Health Care Facilities Bond, Proposition 6 (1974)
23. Alaska Health and Medical Facilities Bond, Proposition 1 (1972)
24. Alaska Health and Medical Facility Bond, Proposition 6 (1970)
25. Alaska Health and Welfare Construction Bond, Proposition 2 (1964)
26. Alaska Health and Welfare Correctional Facility Bond, Proposition 5 (1970)
27. Alaska High School Construction Bond, Proposition 7 (1966)
28. Alaska Highway Construction Bond, Proposition 2 (1968)
29. Alaska Highway Construction Bond, Proposition 2 (1972)
30. Alaska Highway Construction Bond, Proposition 4 (1970)
31. Alaska Highway Construction Bond, Proposition 5 (1966)
32. Alaska Highway Maintenance Bond, Proposition 8 (1970)
33. Alaska Hospital Construction Bond, Proposition 3 (1968)
34. Alaska Hospital Construction Bond, Proposition 5 (1960)
35. Alaska Justice Facilities Bond, Proposition 9 (1976)
36. Alaska Library Construction Bond, Proposition 3 (1974)
37. Alaska Parks and Recreation Bond, Proposition 3 (1976)
38. Alaska Pioneer's Home Construction Bond, Proposition 1 (1968)
39. Alaska Pioneers' Home Bond, Proposition 8 (1974)
40. Alaska Pioneers' Home Construction Bond, Proposition 1 (1964)
41. Alaska Port Facility Development Bond, Proposition 2 (1974)
42. Alaska Recreation Centers Bond, Proposition 3 (1972)
43. Alaska Recreation Centers Construction Bond, Proposition 1 (March 1973)
44. Alaska Recreation Construction Bond, Proposition 1 (1966)
45. Alaska Recreational Facilities Bond, Proposition 3 (1970)
46. Alaska Remote Housing Bond, Proposition 2 (1970)
47. Alaska Rural School Construction Bond, Proposition 9 (1974)
48. Alaska School Construction Bond, Proposition 1 (1970)
49. Alaska School Construction Bond, Proposition 2 (1962)
50. Alaska School Construction Bond, Proposition 2 (1966)
51. Alaska School Construction Bond, Proposition 2 (1976)
52. Alaska School Construction Bond, Proposition 5 (1968)
53. Alaska School Construction Bond, Proposition 6 (1972)
54. Alaska Senior Citizen Housing Bond, Proposition 5 (1976)
55. Alaska Sewage System Bond, Proposition 8 (1972)
56. Alaska State Office Building Bond, Proposition 1 (1960)
57. Alaska State Veterans Mortgage, Bonding Proposition A (2002)
58. Alaska Transportation, Bonding Proposition B (2002)
59. Alaska Transportation Construction Bond, Proposition 5 (1974)
60. Alaska Transportation Maintenance Bond, Proposition 7 (1976)
61. Alaska Transportation Project Bonds Question, Bonding Proposition A (2012)
62. Alaska Trunk Airport Bond, Proposition 3 (1962)
63. Alaska Trunk and Secondary Airport Bond, Proposition 4 (1974)
64. Alaska University Bond, Proposition 4 (1960)
65. Alaska University Bond, Proposition 4 (1972)
66. Alaska University Construction Bond, Proposition 10 (1974)
67. Alaska University Construction Bond, Proposition 11 (1970)
68. Alaska University Construction Bond, Proposition 1 (1962)
69. Alaska University Construction Bond, Proposition 4 (1966)
70. Alaska University Construction Bond, Proposition 6 (1968)
71. Alaska University Construction Bond, Proposition 6 (1976)
72. Alaska Veterans' Bonds Question, Bonding Proposition A (2010)
73. Alaska Vocational Education Bond, Proposition 3 (1960)
74. Alaska Vocational School Bond, Proposition 4 (1962)
75. Alaska Water Systems Bond, Proposition 10 (1976)
76. Alaska Water and Sewage System Bond, Proposition 7 (1970)

1. Arizona Highway Bonds Amendment, Questions 104 and 105 (1914)
2. Arizona Proposition 5, Municipal Bonds (1928)
3. Arizona State Reclamation Service Amendment, Questions 106 and 107 (1914)

1. Arkansas Capital Expenditures and Economic Development Bonds, Proposal 2 (2004)
2. Arkansas Higher Education Technology and Facility Act of 2005, Question 1 (2006)
3. Arkansas Interest Rate Limit, Issue 2 (2010)
4. Arkansas Redevelopment Project Question, Issue 2 (2012)
5. Arkansas Retail Project Question (2011)
6. Arkansas Sales Tax Increase Amendment, Issue 1 (2012)
7. Arkansas Short Term Financing, Amendment 1 (2000)
8. Arkansas Standard for SuperProject Bonds, Issue 3 (2010)
9. Arkansas Water Bond, Referred Question 1 (2008)

1. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Community Colleges (1972)
2. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Parks and Recreation (1980)
3. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Public Education (1974)
4. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Public Schools (June 1962)
5. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Public Schools (June 1966)
6. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Public Schools (June 1976)
7. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Recreational Land (1964)
8. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Recreational Land (June 1974)
9. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Schools (1949)
10. California Proposition 1, Bonds for University of California Health Sciences Facilities (June 1970)
11. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1926)
12. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1930)
13. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1934)
14. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1944)
15. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1946)
16. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1952)
17. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1954)
18. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1956)
19. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1958)
20. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (1978)
21. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (June 1960)
22. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (June 1968)
23. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Veterans (June 1972)
24. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Water Pollution Control (1970)
25. California Proposition 1, Bonds for Water Projects (1960)
26. California Proposition 1, Bonds for the State Highway System (1919)
27. California Proposition 1, Government Loans for Veterans (1922)
28. California Proposition 1, New Prison Construction Bond Act (June 1982)
29. California Proposition 1, School Construction Bonds (1982)
30. California Proposition 1, State Building Bond Act (1935)
31. California Proposition 1, State School Aid Bond Law (June 1980)
32. California Proposition 1, Water and Parks Bond Act (June 1980)
33. California Proposition 10, Alternative Fuels Initiative (2008)
34. California Proposition 10, Bonds for State Buildings and University Buildings (1926)
35. California Proposition 107, Housing and Homeless Bond Act (1990)
36. California Proposition 108, Passenger Rail Bond Act (1990)
37. California Proposition 11, Bonds for the University of California-Berkeley (1914)
38. California Proposition 11, Local Street and Road Bonds (1958)
39. California Proposition 116, Bonds for Passenger and Commuter Rail (1990)
40. California Proposition 12, Bonds for Veterans (2008)
41. California Proposition 12, Bonds for Water, Forests and Open Space (2000)
42. California Proposition 12, Maximum Permissible Term of Statutory State Bond Issues (1956)
43. California Proposition 120, Prison Construction Bonds (1990)
44. California Proposition 121, Bonds for Higher Education Facilities (1990)
45. California Proposition 122, Bonds for Seismic Retrofitting (1990)
46. California Proposition 123, Public School Construction Bonds (1990)
47. California Proposition 128, Environmental Protection Act (1990)
48. California Proposition 129, Tax Increase and Drug Control Act (1990)
49. California Proposition 13, Bonds for Water Infrastructure (2000)
50. California Proposition 13, Property Owners Only Allowed to Vote on Bond Propositions (1914)
51. California Proposition 13, Revenue Bonds to Construct Public Utilities (1938)
52. California Proposition 130, Restrictions on Logging and Bonds for Forests (1990)
53. California Proposition 138, Logging Rules and Forest Improvements Initiative (1990)
54. California Proposition 14, Bonds for Libraries (2000)
55. California Proposition 14, Tax Exemption for State and Local Bonds (1924)
56. California Proposition 142, Home Loans for Veterans (1990)
57. California Proposition 143, Higher Education Facilities Bond Act (1990)
58. California Proposition 144, New Prison Construction Bond Act (1990)
59. California Proposition 145, First-Time Homebuyer Bond Act (1990)
60. California Proposition 146, School Facilities Bond Act (1990)
61. California Proposition 147, County Jails Bond Act (1990)
62. California Proposition 148, Water Resources Bond Act (1990)
63. California Proposition 149, Parks and Recreation Bond Act (1990)
64. California Proposition 15, the Hertzberg-Polanco Crime Laboratories Construction Bond Act (2000)
65. California Proposition 150, County Courthouse Facilities Bond Act (1990)
66. California Proposition 151, Childcare Facilities Bond Act (1990)
67. California Proposition 152, Bonds for Public Schools (1992)
68. California Proposition 153, Construction Bonds for Higher Education (1992)
69. California Proposition 155, Bonds for Elementary Schools (1992)
70. California Proposition 156, Passenger Rail and Clean Air Bond Act (1992)
71. California Proposition 16, Bonds for County Jails (1984)
72. California Proposition 16, Bonds for Residential Homes for Veterans (2000)
73. California Proposition 16, Bonds for Water and Electrical Projects (1924)
74. California Proposition 17, Bonds for New Prison Construction (1984)
75. California Proposition 17, Bonds for Railroad Grade Separations (1928)
76. California Proposition 17, Bonds for the San Francisco International Exposition (1914)
77. California Proposition 170, Simple Majority Vote Needed to Approve School Bonds (1993)
78. California Proposition 173, Housing Bond Act (1993)
79. California Proposition 18, Bonds for Parks and Recreation (1984)
80. California Proposition 180, Bonds to Acquire Park Lands (1994)
81. California Proposition 181, Bonds for Rail Projects (1994)
82. California Proposition 19, Bonds for Fish and Wildlife Habitat (1984)
83. California Proposition 19, Rules Governing State Indebtedness (1934)
84. California Proposition 192, the Seismic Retrofit Bond Act (1996)
85. California Proposition 1A, Bonds for Education (1998)
86. California Proposition 1A, Bonds for Higher Education (1962)
87. California Proposition 1A, High-Speed Rail Act (2008)
88. California Proposition 1A, Seismic Retrofit Bond Act (1994)
89. California Proposition 1B, Highway and Port Safety and Air Quality Bond Act (2006)
90. California Proposition 1B, School Facilities Bond Act (1994)
91. California Proposition 1C, Bonds for Housing (2006)
92. California Proposition 1C, Higher Education Facilities Bond Act (1994)
93. California Proposition 1D, Bonds for Education Facilities (2006)
94. California Proposition 1E, Flood Control and Drinking Water Structures (2006)
95. California Proposition 1 (1976)
96. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Health Science Facilities (1972)
97. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Higher Education (1966)
98. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Junior Colleges (June 1968)
99. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Public Education (June 1972)
100. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Public School Construction (1954)
101. California Proposition 2, Bonds for School Facilities for Handicapped Students (1958)
102. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Schools for Handicapped Students (1956)
103. California Proposition 2, Bonds for State Colleges (1964)
104. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Unemployment Relief (1933)
105. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Veterans (June 1962)
106. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Water Conservation (June 1978)
107. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Water Pollution Abatement (June 1974)
108. California Proposition 2, Bonds for Water Projects (June 1960)
109. California Proposition 2, Bonds for an Olympiad in California (1928)
110. California Proposition 2, Bonds to Acquire Lake Tahoe Properties (1980)
111. California Proposition 2, Bonds to Build and Improve County Jails (1982)
112. California Proposition 2, Veterans Bond Act (June 1980)
113. California Proposition 20, Bonds for Recreation and Wildlife Enhancement (1970)
114. California Proposition 203, Bonds for Educational Facilities (1996)
115. California Proposition 204, Bonds for Water Projects (1996)
116. California Proposition 205, Bonds for County Jails (1996)
117. California Proposition 206, Bonds for Veterans (1996)
118. California Proposition 21, Popular Approval of Indebtedness of Political Subdivisions (1926)
119. California Proposition 23, Bonds for Unemployment Relief (1934)
120. California Proposition 24, Bonds for Public Schools (1952)
121. California Proposition 25, Bonds for Water Projects (1984)
122. California Proposition 26, Bonds for Public School Construction (1984)
123. California Proposition 27, Bonds for Hazardous Substance Cleanup (1984)
124. California Proposition 28, Bonds for Water (1984)
125. California Proposition 29, Bonds for Veterans (1984)
126. California Proposition 2 (1976)
127. California Proposition 2 (June 1976)
128. California Proposition 3, Bonds for Correctional and Educational Facilities (1958)
129. California Proposition 3, Bonds for Educational, Mental and Correctional Institutions (1956)
130. California Proposition 3, Bonds for Pollution Control Facilities (1972)
131. California Proposition 3, Bonds for Public School Construction (1964)
132. California Proposition 3, Bonds for State Colleges (1968)
133. California Proposition 3, Bonds for State Government Buildings (June 1962)
134. California Proposition 3, Bonds for State Highways (1916)
135. California Proposition 3, Bonds for Veterans (1922)
136. California Proposition 3, Bonds for Veterans (June 1974)
137. California Proposition 3, Childrens' Hospitals Bond Act (2008)
138. California Proposition 3, Home and Farm Bonds for Veterans (1982)
139. California Proposition 3, Voting on Bonds in June Primaries (June 1960)
140. California Proposition 30, Bonds for Senior Centers (1984)
141. California Proposition 32, Bonds for Veterans (2000)
142. California Proposition 35, Bonds for State Buildings in Sacramento (1914)
143. California Proposition 36, San Francisco State Building Act (1914)
144. California Proposition 37, Bonds for State Fairgrounds (1914)
145. California Proposition 38, State Building in Los Angeles (1914)
146. California Proposition 3 (1976)
147. California Proposition 3 (June 1976)
148. California Proposition 4, 60% Supermajority to Approve School and Library Bonds (1966)
149. California Proposition 4, Bonds for Harbor Development (1958)
150. California Proposition 4, Bonds for Low-Rent Housing (June 1962)
151. California Proposition 4, Bonds for Parks (1928)
152. California Proposition 4, Bonds for the Land Settlement Act (1922)
153. California Proposition 4, the Lake Tahoe Acquisitions Bond Act (1982)
154. California Proposition 40, Bonds for Parks and Recreation (March 2002)
155. California Proposition 41, Bonds for Modern Voting Equipment (March 2002)
156. California Proposition 42, Bonds for Veterans (1986)
157. California Proposition 42, County and Municipal Bonds (1914)
158. California Proposition 43, Bonds for Parks and Recreation (1986)
159. California Proposition 44, Bonds for Water Conservation (1986)
160. California Proposition 46, Bonds for Housing Projects (2002)
161. California Proposition 47, Bonds for School Construction (2002)
162. California Proposition 48, Bonds for San Francisco Harbor Improvements (1914)
163. California Proposition 4 (June 1976)
164. California Proposition 5, Bonds for Boulder Dam Commemoration Activities (1936)
165. California Proposition 5, Bonds for Recreation (June 1962)
166. California Proposition 5, Cal-First Home Buyers Act (1982)
167. California Proposition 50, Bonds for Water Projects (2002)
168. California Proposition 52, Bonds for County Jails (1986)
169. California Proposition 53, Green-Hughes School Building Lease-Purchase Bond Law (1986)
170. California Proposition 54, Bonds for Prison Construction (1986)
171. California Proposition 55, Bonds for Local Water Projects (1986)
172. California Proposition 55, Bonds for Schools (March 2004)
173. California Proposition 56, Bonds for Higher Education (1986)
174. California Proposition 57, Bonds to Pay Off State Government's Deficit (March 2004)
175. California Proposition 5 (1982)
176. California Proposition 6, Bonds for Irrigation Districts (1933)
177. California Proposition 6, Publication of State Bond Proposals (1958)
178. California Proposition 6, Votes on Bond Issues (1962)
179. California Proposition 60A, Surplus Government Property Sold to Lower Deficit (2004)
180. California Proposition 61, Children's Hospital Bond Act (2004)
181. California Proposition 7, Changes to the Highway Act of 1909 (1916)
182. California Proposition 7, Interest Rate on State-Issued Bonds (June 1970)
183. California Proposition 7, Supermajority Vote Required to Approve Bond Propositions (October 1915)
184. California Proposition 70, Bonds for Parks and Wildlife (June 1988)
185. California Proposition 74, the Deddeh Transportation Bond Act (June 1988)
186. California Proposition 75, Bonds for Public Schools (June 1988)
187. California Proposition 76, Bonds for Homes and Farms for Veterans (June 1988)
188. California Proposition 77, Bonds for Earthquake Safety Projects (June 1988)
189. California Proposition 78, Bonds for Higher Education (1988)
190. California Proposition 79, Construction Bonds for Public Schools (1988)
191. California Proposition 8, Bonds for Alternative Energy (June 1980)
192. California Proposition 80, Construction Bonds for New Prisons (1988)
193. California Proposition 81, Bonds for Domestic Water Improvement Projects (1988)
194. California Proposition 81, Bonds for Libraries (June 2006)
195. California Proposition 82, Water Conservation Bond Law (1988)
196. California Proposition 83, Bonds for Water Projects (1988)
197. California Proposition 84, Bonds for Flood Control and Water Supply Improvements (2006)
198. California Proposition 84, Housing and Homeless Bond Act (1988)
199. California Proposition 85, Bonds for Libraries (1988)
200. California Proposition 86, Bonds for County Correctional Facilities (1988)
201. California Proposition 9, Bond Proceeds Fund for General Obligation Bonds (1962)
202. California Proposition 9, Bonds for San Francisco Harbor (1930)
203. California Proposition 9, Bonds to Fix Unsafe Schools (1972)
204. California Proposition 9, Increase Bond Allocation for Water Projects (1980)
205. California Propositions 9 and 10, Gas Tax Funds for Highway Bond Payments (1933)
206. California Water Bond (2014)
207. Statewide bond propositions (California)

1. Colorado GOCO Bonds for Open Space Act, Referendum A (2001)
2. Colorado Highway Construction Bond, Issue 1 (1922)
3. Colorado Issue 2, Bonds for Highway Construction (1928)
4. Colorado Issue 3 (1920)
5. Colorado Measure 31 (1912)
6. Colorado Prison Spending, Referendum A (1995)
7. Colorado State Personnel System Act, Referendum A (2004)
8. Colorado Water Projects Bond, Referendum A (2003)

1. Hawaii Agricultural Enterprise Assistance Act, Amendment 5 (2006)
2. Hawaii Assisting Not-for-Profit Private Schools, Colleges and Universities Act, Question 2 (2002)
3. Hawaii Authorize State to Issue Bonds, Ballot Measure 1 (1994)
4. Hawaii Authorize State to Use Bonds, Ballot Measure 2 (1994)
5. Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, Amendment 1 (1996)

1. Idaho Fund for School Districts, S.J.R. 106 (1998)
2. Idaho Municipal Bonds Act, S.J.R. 107 (2000)

1. Louisiana Public Funds for Infrastructure Projects Act, Ballot Measure 7 (Oct 2003)
2. Louisiana Recreaction District Bonds, Amendment 2 (October 1994)

1. Maine Adaptive Equipment Bonds, Question 3 (1997)
2. Maine Affordable Housing Bond, Question 1 (2001)
3. Maine Agriculture and the Environment Bond Act, Question 3 (2005)
4. Maine Bond Authorizations Life Limits (1982)
5. Maine Bond Limits Amendment (1976)
6. Maine Bond Questions 2 through Question 8 (1994)
7. Maine Bond Questions 3 through Question 5 (1993)
8. Maine Bonds Issue for Renovation of Correctional Facilities, Question 3 (1991)
9. Maine Bonds for Water Projects, Question 3 (2008)
10. Maine Bonds for York County (1970)
11. Maine Community College Bond Act, Question 3 (2007)
12. Maine Community College Bond Question, Question 2 (2012)
13. Maine Conservation Bonds Issue, Question 3 (2010)
14. Maine Dental Care Bonds Issue, Question 2 (2010)
15. Maine Drinking Water Bond Act, Question 2 Special (June 2007)
16. Maine Drinking Water Bond Act, Question 7 (1996)
17. Maine Economic Development and Job Bonds Issue, Question 4 (June 2010)
18. Maine Economic Growth and Job Creation Bond, Question 4 (2005)
19. Maine Economic Stimulation Bond, Question 1 (1998)
20. Maine Education Bonds Act, Question 5 (2003)
21. Maine Eight Bond Questions (1992)
22. Maine Energy Efficiency Bonds Issue, Question 2 (June 2010)
23. Maine Environmental Bond Act, Question 4 (2003)
24. Maine Environmental Bonds Act, Question 2 (2002)
25. Maine Farms for the Future Bonds, Question (June 2003)
26. Maine Financial Assistance to Natural Resources for Job Retention and Job Creation, Question 5 (1991)
27. Maine Four Bond Questions (1995)
28. Maine Funding for State Parks and Historic Buildings, Question 8 (1991)
29. Maine Funds for Construction of Water Pollution Control Facilities, Question 4 (1991)
30. Maine Hazardous Substances Bond, Question 2 (1998)
31. Maine Higher Education Bond Act, Question 6 (2005)
32. Maine Highway Improvement Bond, Question 3 (2001)
33. Maine Improvements to Highways, Bridges, and Airports, Question 9 (1991)
34. Maine Job Creation Bond Act, Question 6 (1996)
35. Maine Job Growth Bond, Question 2 Primary (June 2002)
36. Maine Jobs Bond Issue, Question 3 (June 2010)
37. Maine Land Conservation Bond Act,Question 4 (2007)
38. Maine Land Conservation Bond Act, Question 5 (2005)
39. Maine Library Bond Issue, Question 1 Primary (June 1996)
40. Maine Loans for Industrial Purposes Amendment (1957)
41. Maine Machias Correctional Facility Bond, Question 1 (2002)
42. Maine Marine Research Bond, Question 2 (2001)
43. Maine Maritime Academy Bond, Question 6 (2001)
44. Maine Municipal Building Bonds Amendment (1962)
45. Maine Natural Resource Bond Issue, Question 1 (June 2008)
46. Maine No Bonds for Current Expenses Amendment (1976)
47. Maine Private Colleges Bond Credit Amendment (1969)
48. Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation Bond Act, Question 5 (1999)
49. Maine Public Health Bond, Question 5 (2001)
50. Maine Public Land Purchase Bond Act, Question 7 (1999)
51. Maine Purchase Recycling Equipment and Facilities, Question 7 (1991)
52. Maine Purchase of Recreational, Scenic Lands, Wildlife Conservation, and Public Access, Question 6 (1991)
53. Maine Regulation of Municipal Borrowing Amendment (1973)
54. Maine Repeal of Interest on Unissued Bonds (1970)
55. Maine School Bonding Authority Bond Limit (1981)
56. Maine School Building Authority Loans (1969)
57. Maine School Renovation Fund Bond, Question 4 (2001)
58. Maine School Revolving Renovations Fund Bond, Question 1 Primary (June 2002)
59. Maine State Office Building Bond Issue (1951)
60. Maine State Park Improvements Bond Act, Question 4 (1996)
61. Maine Technical College Bond Act, Question 6 (1999)
62. Maine Technology Sector Bond Act, Question 2 (2007)
63. Maine Tire Stockpile Bond Act, Question 5 (1996)
64. Maine Tire Stockpile Cleanup Bond, Question 2 (1997)
65. Maine Transportation Bond Act, Question 1 Special (June 2007)
66. Maine Transportation Bond Act, Question 2 (2005)
67. Maine Transportation Bond Act, Question 3 (1999)
68. Maine Transportation Bond Act, Question 4 (1997)
69. Maine Transportation Bond Question, Question 4 (2012)
70. Maine Transportation Bonds Act, Question 6 (2003)
71. Maine Transportation Bonds Ballot Question 1 Primary (June 1998)
72. Maine Transportation and Energy Bonds, Question 6 (2009)
73. Maine Un-Issued Bonds Amendment (1984)
74. Maine Vocational High School Bonds, Question 3 Primary (June 1998)
75. Maine Water Access and Wildlife Question, Question 3 (2012)
76. Maine Water Pollution Bonds, Question 2 Primary ( June 1998)
77. Maine Water Pollution Control Bond Act, Question 4 (1999)
78. Maine Water Quality Bonds Issue, Question 5 (June 2010)
79. Maine Water and Sewer Bond Question, Question 5 (2012)

1. Michigan Environmental Bonds, Proposal C (1998)
2. Michigan Environmental Protection Funds Referendum, Proposal C (1988)
3. Michigan Public Recreation Funds Referendum, Proposal 4 (1968)
4. Michigan Public Recreation Funds Referendum, Proposal D (1988)
5. Michigan Sewer Treatment and Water Pollution Bond, Proposal 2 (2002)
6. Michigan Transportation Bond Referendum, Proposal D (1974)
7. Michigan Urban Development Funds Referendum, Proposal A (1970)
8. Michigan Water Pollution Bond Referendum, Proposal 3 (1968)

1. Missouri Earthquake-Proofing Bonds, Amendment 5 (August 1992)
2. Missouri Forth State Building Fund Bond, Amendment 4 (August 1994)
3. Missouri Fuel Tax, Amendment 3 (2004)
4. Missouri Issue 14, Bonds for Public Highway System (1914)
5. Missouri Issue 1 (General)(1986)
6. Missouri Issue 2 (General)(1986)
7. Missouri Issue 2 (General)(1988)
8. Missouri Issue 2 (Primary)(1984)
9. Missouri Issue 2 (Primary)(1988)
10. Missouri Issue 3 (1928)
11. Missouri Issue 8, Tax Assessments, Bonds and Public Education (1938)
12. Missouri Joint Boards or Commissions for Political Subdivisions, Amendment 4 (2002)
13. Missouri Measure 1 (1982)
14. Missouri Neighborhood Improvement Districts, Amendment 2 (August 1990)
15. Missouri School District Bond Limit, Amendment 2 (August 1996)
16. Missouri School District Bond Limit, Amendment 4 (April 1998)
17. Missouri Sewage Treatment Plant Bonds and Water Plant Deregulation, Amendment 6 (1996)
18. Missouri Sewer Improvement Bonds, Amendment 6 (1998)
19. Missouri St. Louis Bond Issue Approval Requirement, Amendment 10 (1992)
20. Missouri Toll Roads and Bridges, Amendment 2 (1992)
21. Missouri Water and Sewer Bonds, Amendment 7 (1998)

1. Nebraska Bond Question, Amendment 1 (May 2010)
2. Nebraska Nonprofit Property Development Bonds, Amendment 2 (2002)
3. Nebraska Nonprofit Property Development Bonds, Constitutional Amendment 1 (2006)

1. Nevada Conservation Bond, Question 1 (2002)
2. Nevada Lake Tahoe Basin Conservation Bonds, Question 12 (1996)
3. Nevada Parks and Wildlife Bonds, Question 5 (1990)

1. New Jersey Bonds to Dredge the Kill Von Kull, Question 1 (1996)
2. New Jersey Open Space Bond Issue (2009)
3. New Jersey Public Question 1, Unsafe Buildings Demolition Act (1997)
4. New Jersey Public Question 2, Stormwater and Sewer Overflow Management (1997)
5. New Jersey Public Question 3, Water Supply Bond Act (1997)
6. New Jersey Public Question 4, Bonds for Green and Blue Acres (1995)
7. New Jersey Public Question Three (2007)
8. New Jersey Public Question Two (2007)
9. New Jersey Question 1, Increase in Garden State Preservation Trust Bond Limits (2003)
10. New Jersey Question 1, Transportation and Bridge Bonds (1999)
11. New Jersey Question 3, Bonds for Flood Control and Water Improvement (2003)
12. New Jersey Solid Waste Bond Act, Question 3 (1998)
13. New Jersey State College Bond Issue, Public Question 1 (2012)
14. New Jersey Voter Approval of State Bonds, Question 1 (2008)
15. New Jersey legislators give voters say on open space

1. New Mexico Bond Issue A (2000)
2. New Mexico Bond Issue B (2000)
3. New Mexico Bond Issue C (2000)
4. New Mexico Bond Measure A (2002)
5. New Mexico Bond Measure B (2002)
6. New Mexico Bond Measure C (2002)
7. New Mexico Bond Measure D (2002)
8. New Mexico Bond Measure E (2002)
9. New Mexico Bond Question 1 (2008)
10. New Mexico Bond Question 2 (2008)
11. New Mexico Bond Question 3 (2008)
12. New Mexico Bond Question 4 (2008)
13. New Mexico Bond Question A (2010)
14. New Mexico Bond Question B (2010)
15. New Mexico Bond Question C (2010)
16. New Mexico Bond Question D (2010)
17. New Mexico Capital Projects General Obligation Bond, Question A (2006)
18. New Mexico Classroom Construction Bond, Question D (2004)
19. New Mexico Higher Education Capital Improvements and Acquisitions Bonds, Question B (2006)
20. New Mexico Higher Education and Special Schools Bonds, Bond Question C (2012)
21. New Mexico Library Acquisition Bond 1, Question A (2004)
22. New Mexico Library Acquisition Bond 2, Question C (2004)
23. New Mexico Library Acquisition and Construction Bonds, Bond Question B (2012)
24. New Mexico Question A (1998)
25. New Mexico Question B (1998)
26. New Mexico Question C (1998)
27. New Mexico Question D (1998)
28. New Mexico Question E (1998)
29. New Mexico Senior Citizen Center Bond, Question B (2004)
30. New Mexico Senior Citizen Facility Improvement Bonds, Bond Question A (2012)
31. New Mexico Statewide Library Acquisitions, Question C (2006)

1. New York Bonds for Natural Resources, Proposal 1 (1996)
2. New York Proposal 1 (2000)
3. New York School Bonds, Proposal 3 (1997)
4. New York Transportation Bond Act, Proposal 2 (2005)

1. North Carolina Bond Issue 1 (1996)
2. North Carolina Bond Issue 2 (1996)
3. North Carolina Clean Water Bonds (1998)
4. North Carolina Higher Education Improvement Bonds, Question 1 (2000)
5. North Carolina Natural Gas Bonds (1998)

1. North Dakota Bonds Issuance for Highways Issue (1944)
2. North Dakota Indemnify Depositers for Bank Loss Issue (1928)
3. North Dakota Issue 3, Limits on Bonded Indebtedness (1922)
4. North Dakota Persian Gulf Vet Compensation, Measure 1 (1992)
5. North Dakota Power Generating Facilities Issue (1962)
6. North Dakota Tax Exempt Bonds Issue (1980)

1. Ohio Bonds for Veterans, Issue 4 (1973)
2. Ohio Clean Ohio Fund Act, Issue 2 (2008)
3. Ohio Highway Bonds, Issue 1 (1953)
4. Ohio Highway Bonds, Issue 1 (1964)
5. Ohio Initiated Issue 4, Sales Tax Increase for Capital Improvements (1975)
6. Ohio Issue 1, Bond Commission (May 1967)
7. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Coal Research (1985)
8. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Education (1999)
9. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Job Stimulation (2003)
10. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Low-Cost Housing (1982)
11. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Parks (1993)
12. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Public Improvements (1963)
13. Ohio Issue 1, Bonds for Veterans (2009)
14. Ohio Issue 1, Economic Growth Act (2005)
15. Ohio Issue 1, Environmental Bonds Act (2000)
16. Ohio Issue 1, School Bonds Act (May 1998)
17. Ohio Issue 1, Transportation Bonds (1968)
18. Ohio Issue 2, Expand Public Infrastructure Act (1995)
19. Ohio Issue 3, Bonds for Roads (June 1980)
20. Ohio Municipal Bonds Exempt from Taxation, Issue 3 (1913)
21. Ohio Public Building Bonds, Issue 1 (1955)
22. Ohio Referred Issue 2, Bonds for Development (May 1965)
23. Ohio Referred Issue 3, Bonds for Energy Conservation Projects (June 1976)
24. Ohio Referred Issue 3, Industrial Development Bonds (1974)
25. Ohio Road Bond Limits, Amendment 29 (September 1912)
26. Ohio Taxes, Amendment 32 (September 1912)
27. Ohio Third Frontier Bond Renewal, Issue 1 (May 2010)

1. Oklahoma Reserve Fund Amendment, State Question 764 (2012)
2. Oklahoma State Question 139 (1926)
3. Oklahoma State Question No. 693 (2002)

1. Oregon Allows Pollution Control Bond Use for Related Activities, Ballot Measure 2 (May 1990)
2. Oregon Ballot Measure 32, Bonds for Portland Light Rail (1996)
3. Oregon Ballot Measure 54, State to Guarantee School District Bonds (1998)
4. Oregon Bonds for State Parks, Ballot Measure 1 (1992)
5. Oregon Public Universities Receive Equity for Publicly Created Technology, Ballot Measure 11 (May 2002)
6. Oregon School Bonds Matching, Measure 68 (May 2010)
7. Oregon Seismic Rehabilitation of Emergency Services Buildings, Ballot Measure 16 (2002)
8. Oregon Seismic Rehabilitation of Public Education Buildings, Ballot Measure 15 (2002)

1. Pennsylvania Ballot Question (2002)
2. Pennsylvania Water And Sewer Improvements Bond Referendum (2008)

1. Rhode Island Affordable House Bonds Question, Question 7 (2012)
2. Rhode Island Capital Bonds for Higher Education Question, Question 2 (2010)
3. Rhode Island Capital Bonds for Open Space Question, Question 4 (2010)
4. Rhode Island Capital Bonds for Transportation Question, Question 3 (2010)
5. Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency - Water Quality Management Bonds, Question 2 (2000)
6. Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Bond Question, Question 5 (2012)
7. Rhode Island Environmental Management Bonds, Question 1 (2000)
8. Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Museum Bonds, Question 5 (2000)
9. Rhode Island Higher Education Bonds, Question 4 (2000)
10. Rhode Island Higher Education Bonds Question, Question 3 (2012)
11. Rhode Island Newport Environmental Management Bonds Question, Question 6 (2012)
12. Rhode Island Newport Veterans' Home Bond Question, Question 4 (2012)
13. Rhode Island Open Space Bonds, Question 2 (2008)
14. Rhode Island Question 1, Bonds for Transportation (1996)
15. Rhode Island Question 1, State Police Headquarters Facility and State Municipal Fire Academy Bonds (2002)
16. Rhode Island Question 1, Transportation Bonds (1998)
17. Rhode Island Question 10, Meade Stadium Bonds (2004)
18. Rhode Island Question 11, Historic Preservation and Heritage Bonds (2004)
19. Rhode Island Question 12, Rehabilitation of State Owned Facilities Bonds (2004)
20. Rhode Island Question 13, Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Bonds (2004)
21. Rhode Island Question 2, Bonds for College Telecommunications (1996)
22. Rhode Island Question 2, Higher Education Facilities Bonds (1998)
23. Rhode Island Question 2, Preservation, Recreation and Heritage Bonds (2002)
24. Rhode Island Question 3, Bonds for Higher Education (1996)
25. Rhode Island Question 3, Environmental Management Bonds (1998)
26. Rhode Island Question 3, Transportation Bonds (2002)
27. Rhode Island Question 3, Transportation Bonds (2004)
28. Rhode Island Question 4, Bonds for the Quonset Point/Davisville Development (1996)
29. Rhode Island Question 4, Higher Education Bonds Act (2006)
30. Rhode Island Question 4, Quonset Point/Davisville Bonds (2002)
31. Rhode Island Question 4, School Bonds (2004)
32. Rhode Island Question 5, Bonds for Land Purchases (1996)
33. Rhode Island Question 5, Higher Education Residence Hall Bonds (2004)
34. Rhode Island Question 5, Transportation Bonds Act (2006)
35. Rhode Island Question 6, Bonds for Environmental Remediation (1996)
36. Rhode Island Question 6, Cranston Street Armory Bonds (2004)
37. Rhode Island Question 6, Roger Williams Park Zoo Bonds (2006)
38. Rhode Island Question 7, Bonds for Handicap Access in State Facilities (1996)
39. Rhode Island Question 7, Emergency Water Interconnect Bonds (2004)
40. Rhode Island Question 7, Fort Adams State Park Bonds (2006)
41. Rhode Island Question 8, Environmental Management Bonds (2006)
42. Rhode Island Question 8, Watershed Protection Bonds (2004)
43. Rhode Island Question 9, Affordable Housing Bonds (2006)
44. Rhode Island Question 9, Undersea Exploration Center Bonds (2004)
45. Rhode Island Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park Bond, Question 14 (2004)
46. Rhode Island Transportation Bonds, Question 1 (2008)
47. Rhode Island Transportation Bonds, Question 3 (2000)
48. Rhode Island bond questions

One type of constitutional amendment commonly put to a vote in Texas are those dealing with bonds. The Texas Constitution limits the state’s power to create public debt in a number of provisions. Article III, Section 44 states that the legislature may not “grant, by appropriation or otherwise, any amount of money out of the Treasury of the State, to any individual, on a claim, real or pretended, when the same shall not have been provided for by pre-existing law.” Article III, Section 49 forbids the State from creating debt except in certain circumstances , or “otherwise authorized by this constitution”

As such, the issuance of bonds that result in increased public debt require a constitutional amendment.

1. Texas County Redevelopment Bond Amendment, Proposition 4 (2011)
2. Texas Local Economic Development Program Loans and Grants Act, Proposition 3 (2005)
3. Texas Open Military Spaces Financing, Proposition 1 (2009)
4. Texas Proposition 1, (1976)
5. Texas Proposition 1, Tax Relief and Reform (1978)
6. Texas Proposition 1, Water Project Funds (1985)
7. Texas Proposition 10, Assistance for Farms and Ranches (1985)
8. Texas Proposition 10 (1993)
9. Texas Proposition 12 (1991)
10. Texas Proposition 12 (2007)
11. Texas Proposition 13 (1991)
12. Texas Proposition 13 (1993)
13. Texas Proposition 13 (1999)
14. Texas Proposition 14 (1993)
15. Texas Proposition 15 (2001)
16. Texas Proposition 15 (2007)
17. Texas Proposition 16 (1993)
18. Texas Proposition 16 (2007)
19. Texas Proposition 18, Water Conservation Bonds (1989)
20. Texas Proposition 19, Bonds for Water (2001)
21. Texas Proposition 19, Scientific Research Bonds (1987)
22. Texas Proposition 1 (1993)
23. Texas Proposition 1 (1995)
24. Texas Proposition 2, (1976)
25. Texas Proposition 2, Employment Bonds (1978)
26. Texas Proposition 2, Increasing Veterans' Land Fund (1977)
27. Texas Proposition 2, Student Loan Bonds (August 1991)
28. Texas Proposition 2, Water Bonds (1985)
29. Texas Proposition 2, Water Bonds (1989)
30. Texas Proposition 20, Bonds for Defense-Related Communities (September 2003)
31. Texas Proposition 21, College Savings Bonds (1989)
32. Texas Proposition 23, Water Bonds (1987)
33. Texas Proposition 2 (2001)
34. Texas Proposition 2 (2007)
35. Texas Proposition 3, Bonds for Farm Real Estate (1979)
36. Texas Proposition 3, Redevelopment bonds (1978)
37. Texas Proposition 3 (1995)
38. Texas Proposition 3 (May 1993)
39. Texas Proposition 4, Flood Control Revenues, Bonds, and Interest Rates (1981)
40. Texas Proposition 4 (1991)
41. Texas Proposition 4 (2007)
42. Texas Proposition 5, Guaranteeing School Bonds (1983)
43. Texas Proposition 5, Texas Turnpike Authority Bonds (1987)
44. Texas Proposition 5 (1991)
45. Texas Proposition 5 (1995)
46. Texas Proposition 6, Bond Interest Rates (1982)
47. Texas Proposition 6 (2009)
48. Texas Proposition 7, (1973)
49. Texas Proposition 7, Bond Interest Rates (1981)
50. Texas Proposition 7, Financial Assistance to Veterans (1983)
51. Texas Proposition 7, Public Facility Bonds (1987)
52. Texas Proposition 7, Texas Water Development Board Funds Transfers (1997)
53. Texas Proposition 7 (1995)
54. Texas Proposition 7 (2001)
55. Texas Proposition 8, Correctional Institution Bonds (1987)
56. Texas Proposition 8, Debt Questions Allowed on Statewide Ballots (1991)
57. Texas Proposition 8, Fire Fighting Funds (1978)
58. Texas Proposition 8, Obligation Bonds for Corrections Projects (1989)
59. Texas Proposition 8, Veteran Housing Assistance (1985)
60. Texas Proposition 8 (2001)
61. Texas Water Development Bonds Amendment, Proposition 2 (2011)

1. Utah Clean Water, Initiative 1 (2004)
2. Utah State to Guarantee School District Debt, Proposition 4 (1996)

1. Virginia Bond Question 1 (2002)
2. Virginia Bond Question 2 (2002)

1. Washington Bond Issue for Buildings at State Colleges, Referred Bill 10 (1958)
2. Washington Bond Issue for Buildings at State Colleges, Referred Bill 9 (1950)
3. Washington Bond Issue for Buildings at State Institutions, Referred Bill 8 (1950)
4. Washington Bond Issue for Construction of Public School Plants, Referred Bill 7 (1950)
5. Washington Bonds for Community Colleges, Referred Bill 31 (1972)
6. Washington Bonds for Juvenile Correctional Institution, Referred Bill 13 (1964)
7. Washington Bonds for Outdoor Recreation, Referred Bill 18 (1968)
8. Washington Bonds for Public Institutions, Referred Bill 15 (1966)
9. Washington Bonds for Public Recreation Facilities, Referred Bill 28 (1972)
10. Washington Bonds for Public School Facilities, Referred Bill 14 (1966)
11. Washington Bonds for Public Transportation Improvements, Referred Bill 30 (1972)
12. Washington Bonds for Waste Disposal Facilities, Referred Bill 26 (1972)
13. Washington Bonds for Water Supply Facilities, Referred Bill 27 (1972)
14. Washington Bonds of Public School Facilities, Referred Bill 12 (1964)
15. Washington Handicapped Persons Fund, Referred Bill 37 (1979)
16. Washington Health, Social Service Facility Bonds, Referred Bill 29 (1972)
17. Washington Outdoor Recreation Bond Issue, Referred Bill 11 (1964)
18. Washington Outdoor Recreation Bonds, Referred Bill 21 (1970)
19. Washington Pollution Control Bonds, Referred Bill 23 (1970)
20. Washington Public Utility District Bonds, Initiative 139 (1940)
21. Washington Public Waste Disposal Fund, Referred Bill 39 (1980)
22. Washington Schools Energy Efficiency Projects, Referred Bill 52 (2010)
23. Washington State Building Bonds, Referred Bill 22 (1970)
24. Washington State Building Projects, Referred Bill 19 (1968)
25. Washington Vehicle Excise Taxes, Referred Bill 49 (1998)
26. Washington Voter Approval for Energy Project Bonds, Initiative 394 (1981)
27. Washington Water Pollution Control, Referred Bill 17 (1968)
28. Washington Water Supply Facilities Fund, Referred Bill 38 (1980)

1. West Virginia Amendment 1 (1998)
2. West Virginia Amendment 3, Bonds for Roads (1996)
3. West Virginia Bonds for Veterans Act, Amendment 1 (2004)
4. West Virginia Proposal 1, the Pension Bond Amendment (June 2005)

Bond issues by year

Below are statistics and analysis of bond issues that have appeared on statewide ballots, by year, since 2000. Even-numbered years historically have more statewide measures, bond issue or not, on the ballot than odd-numbered years. As a result, there are two separate graphs showcasing the data for both categories of even- and odd-numbered years since the year 2000:

• The highest number of bond issues approved in an even-numbered year was 29 in 2002.
• The highest in an odd-numbered year was 12 in 2001.
• The lowest approved bond issues for an even numbered year was 15 in 2006 and 2 in 2011 for odd-numbered years.
• The highest rejected measures for even-numbered years was 5 in 2004 and 3 in 2003 of odd-numbered years.
• No measures were approved in 2007 and 2009.
• An average of 19 measures are approved and 3 are rejected for even-numbered years.
• An average of 7 measure are approved and 1 is rejected for odd-numbered years.

Local school bonds

School bonds & taxes
Bond elections
2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 2009 • 2008 All years and states
Property tax elections
2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 2009 • 2008 All years and states
How voting works
Other
State comparisons County evaluations Approval rates

See also: Voting on school bond and tax measures

See also: School bond election

School bonds are commonly seen by voters on the ballot as many localities require voter approval for their issuance. A school bond election is a bond issue used by a public school district, typically to finance a building project or other capital project. These measures are placed on the ballot by district school boards to be approved or defeated by the voting public.

School bond issues on the ballot are different from other areas of the election ballot as state laws require ballot measures to be worded as specific to the point.

School bond measures generally do not receive as much attention as candidate elections or state-wide ballot measures, but they are an important way in which citizens can guide school policy.

The conduct of local school district bond and tax ballot measure elections varies from state-to-state. 40 states require voter approval of bond issues as a matter of course, and in seven more, voters can petition to have bond issues placed on the ballot. Of the remaining three states, one of them, Indiana, uses what is known as the remonstrance-petition process.

See also

• Bond issues on the ballot
• Voting on school bond and tax measures
• State-by-state comparison of school bond and tax laws
• Approval rates of local school bond and tax elections
• Ballot measure
• Legislative referral

External links

• Wikipedia article on bonds
• Wikipedia article municipal bonds
• Bond basics
• Municipal bond basics