(a) A county may not issue certificates to refinance or refund the debt evidenced by certificates issued by the county unless the county complies with the notice requirements of Sections 271.049(a) and (b) for the issuance of certificates.
(b) If, before the date tentatively set for the authorization of refinancing certificates, the county clerk receives a petition that meets the requirements of Subsection (c) protesting the issuance of the refinancing certificates, the county may not authorize the issuance of the refinancing certificates unless the issuance is approved at an election ordered, held, and conducted in the manner provided for bond elections under Chapter 1251, Government Code.

(c) A petition to protest the issuance of refinancing certificates under this section must be signed by a number of qualified voters, residing in the county, equal to at least five percent of the number of votes cast in that county for governor in the most recent general election at which that office was filled.