BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2620

By: Springer

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current law, local governments cannot choose to move their local elections to the November uniform election date. But moving local elections to November would boost voter interest in races that currently see turnout far lower than in March primaries and November general elections. Moreover, while there is some cost-sharing with state and county governments for holding May elections, municipalities pay the lion's share of expenses. S.B. 2620 seeks to address this issue by providing for certain political subdivisions to move the date on which they hold their general elections to the November uniform election date.

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. 2620 amends the Election Code to authorize a municipality wholly or partly located in a county with a population of more than 19,900 and less than 20,000 that holds its general election for officers on a date other than the November uniform election date to change the date on which it holds that election to the November uniform election date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.