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.