BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         H.B. 582
                                           By: Greenberg (Rosson)
                                                    State Affairs
                                                           4-4-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

In the 1994 election cycle the date for county and senatorial
district 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.  Some individuals were
unable to attend a convention because of these observances.  The
unintended result of the current statute is that certain sections
of society are hindered from participating in the grassroots
democratic process.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 582 requires county and senatorial district
conventions to be held on the next Saturday after the general
primary election day that does not occur during Passover or on the
day following Good Friday.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 174.063(a), Election Code, to require
county and senatorial district conventions to be held on the next
Saturday after general primary election day that does not occur
during Passover or on the day following Good Friday.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.