HBA-CMT, JEK H.B. 2693 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2693 By: Madden Elections 4/3/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law prohibits a person from electioneering within 100 feet of a precinct polling place, or within 30 feet of an early voting polling place. However, the law does not define the term "electioneering." House Bill 2693 defines "electioneering" and prohibits a person from electioneering within 50 feet of the location of an early voting polling place and within 100 feet of a county courthouse used as a polling place. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 2693 amends the Election Code to prohibit a person from electioneering within 50 rather than 30 feet of the entrance to a room or other structure in which a polling place is located during early voting. In addition, the bill prohibits a person from electioneering within 100 rather than 30 feet of an outside door through which a voter may enter a county courthouse, subcourthouse, or courthouse annex in which the polling place is located if the commissioners court issues an order to that effect. The bill specifies that "electioneering" includes verbally communicating in any manner with the intention of influencing voters or wearing or holding a button, sticker, pin, or other paraphernalia relating to a candidate, measure, or political party. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.