HBA-JEK H.B. 2923 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2923
By: Jones, Jesse
Elections
3/19/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The recent presidential election has prompted concerns about how the
various balloting methods and types of voting equipment are currently
distributed and utilized in this state.  House Bill 2923 requires any new
voting technology that is introduced for a primary election, an election
ordered by the governor, or an election ordered by a county authority to be
distributed and used  proportionately and equitably among the election
precincts in which it is used. 

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 3
(Section 123.009, Election Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2923 amends the Election Code to require upgraded, modified, or
enhanced voting technology for use in a primary election, an election
ordered by the governor, or an election ordered by a county authority to be
distributed and used proportionately and equitably among the election
precincts in which the particular voting system is used.  The bill
authorizes the secretary of state by rule to prescribe any procedures
necessary for the implementation of this provision in a manner that
protects the voting rights of the affected voters. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.