SRC-TNM S.B. 82 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 82
By: Ellis
State Affairs
2-6-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, voters are prohibited from having in their possession, at the
time they vote, a written communication from another person or
organization identifying one or more candidates for whom the voter has
agreed to vote, or for whom the author of the communication has requested
the voter to vote.  In some Texas counties voters may be asked to decide
in up to 100 races.  Allowing voters the option of a slate card could
prove to be an efficient tool in promoting voter participation.  S.B. 82
repeals Section 63.011, Election Code, to allow voters to carry "slate
cards" into the polling place. In addition, S.B. 82 requires an election
officer to periodically check areas of the polling place to remove sample
ballots or any other discarded written communications. 
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 82 outlines provisions relating to written
communications used by voters in a polling place. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 61A, Election Code, by adding Section 61.011, as
follows: 
 
Sec. 61.011. REMOVING WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FOUND IN POLLING PLACE.
Requires an election officer to periodically check voting stations and
other areas of the polling place for sample ballots or other written
communications used by voters that were left in the polling place and to
remove any written communication from the sight of the voters. 

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 63.011, Election Code (Written Communication
Prohibited). 

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.