BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2232

By: Hall

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, there is a four-day gap between the early voting period and election day, during which time voting machines may be switched out and polling locations may change. There have been calls to eliminate this gap in order to create a single election period. S.B. 2232 seeks to address this issue by providing for a study regarding the practical effects of eliminating the gap between the early voting period and election day.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 2232 requires the secretary of state to conduct a study regarding the practical effects of eliminating the gap between the early voting period and election day. The bill requires the secretary of state, not later than September 1, 2022, to submit a report on the secretary's findings to the legislature. The bill requires the study to include information on how other states conduct the voting period, the implications of the use of paper ballots, and recommendations for statutory changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.