BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 582
By: Greenburg
03-03-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

     In the 1994 election cycle the date for Senatorial District
and County conventions fell on the holiday of Passover, observed in
the Jewish Community, and the day after Good Friday, observed by
many sectors of the Christian Community.  This created a conflict
for those citizens who value both good citizenship and their faith
and preventing them from attending these conventions.  The
unintended result of the current statute as it is written is that
certain sections of our society are hindered from participating in
the grassroots democratic process.

PURPOSE

     H.B. 582 states that if the date designated for county and
senatorial district conventions occurs during Passover or on the
day after Good Friday the conventions will be held on the next
Saturday not occurring during either of the two holidays.

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.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

     SECTION  1.   Section 174.063(a) of the Election Code is
amended as follows:

     (a)   If the third Saturday after general primary election day
occurs during Passover or on the day after Good Friday, the
conventions shall be held on the next Saturday that does not occur
during either of these two holidays.

     SECTION 2.     Effective date: September 1, 1995.

     SECTION 3. Emergency Clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 582 was considered in a public hearing by the Committee on
Elections on March 1, 1995.

The following persons testified in favor of the bill:

     Thomas W. Pauken representing the Texas Republican Party; and

     Ed Martin representing the Texas Democratic Party.

The bill was reported favorably without amendment with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 1 absent.