BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2620
88R26301 MLH-D	By: Springer
	State Affairs
	5/1/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, local governments cannot change their May elections to the general election date in November.

Some local entities in Montague County have expressed interest in moving their local elections to the November general elections. Some local governments claim the move would boost voter interest in races that currently see turnout far lower than in March primaries and November general elections, while other local governments seek cost savings. While there is some cost-sharing with state and county governments for May elections, municipalities pay the lion's share of expenses that typically run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Some towns have opposed moving their elections, but this bill would be permissive and allow local governments wishing to do so to move to November elections.

As proposed, S.B. 2620 amends current law relating to authorizing certain political subdivisions to change the date on which their general election for officers is held.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 41.0052, Election Code, by adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:

(a-1) Authorizes 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 November uniform election date to change the date on which it holds its general election for officers to the November uniform election date, notwithstanding Subsection (a) (relating to authorizing the governing body of a political subdivision, other than a county or municipal utility district, 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 its general election for officers of the November uniform election date, not later than December 31, 2016.).

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.