Honorable Dade Phelan, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB4555 by Guillen (Relating to an application for a place on a ballot filed by a person convicted of a felony and to the general requirements of an application for a place on a ballot; decreasing a criminal penalty.), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
This bill would amend the Election Code as it relates to an application for a place on a ballot filed by a person convicted of a felony. Under the provisions of the bill, a candidate with a previous felony conviction would have to provide proof of eligibility for public office in their application for candidacy. Providing false information would constitute a Class B Misdemeanor.
The Secretary of State indicates the modifications outlined in the bill's provisions would not result in a significant fiscal impact. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.
Local Government Impact
A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution and confinement could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication.