HBA-DMH H.B. 2792 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2792
By: Raymond
Elections
4/16/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law provides that the early voting period begins 17 days
before election day and continues through the fourth day before election
day.  To help improve voter turnout, House Bill 2792 authorizes an
authority ordering an election to begin early voting not earlier than the
31st day  or later than the 17th day before election day. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the secretary of state in SECTION 1
(Section 85.001, Election Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2792 amends the Election Code to authorize the authority
ordering an election to order early voting by personal appearance to begin
not earlier than the 31st day or later than the 17th day before election
day.  The bill requires the secretary of state by rule to modify related
dates, deadlines, or procedures as necessary to implement these provisions. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.