BILL ANALYSIS



C.S.H.B. 3183
By: Berlanga, et al.
April 21, 1995
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND

Chapter 41 (Uniform Election Dates and Hours for Voting), Election
Code, establishes dates for uniform elections, and provides
exceptions.  Section 321.403, Tax Code, provides the election date
for the adoption and approval of additional sales and use taxes to
be "the first succeeding uniform election date for which sufficient
time elapses for the holding of an election."  Having both
elections on the same day could save money, and increase voter
participation.

PURPOSE

This bill would allow municipalities to hold elections for sales
and use tax issues on the same day as a substitute uniform election
date.

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. Amends Section 321.403 (Time of Elections), Tax Code,
           to allow municipalities to hold sales and use tax
           elections on the same day as a substitute uniform
           election date.

SECTION 2. Effective Date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency Clause.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

H.B. 3183 requires all municipalities to hold sales and use tax
elections on the same day as the first election for officers of the
municipality.

C.S.H.B. 3183 would allow cities that have elections other than
uniform election dates, to hold sales and use tax elections on the
substitute uniform election date.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Public notice was posted in accordance with the rules, and a public
hearing was held on April 18, 1995.  Representative Romo explained
the bill.  The committee considered a complete substitute by
Representative Hunter.  Without objection, the committee adopted
C.S.H.B. 3183.  By a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not
voting and 2 absent, the committee voted to report H.B. 3183 to the
House as substituted with the recommendation that it be sent to the
Local & Consent Calendar, and that it do pass.