SRC-TNM S.B. 83 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 83
By: Ellis
State Affairs
3-10-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the lack of voter participation is a concern in many areas
across Texas.  One reason for this is that there are a number of citizens
of voting age who are not registered to vote.  S.B. 83 allows eligible
persons to register at their polling place and vote on the same day
provided they are otherwise eligible to vote, fill out a voter
registration application, and can show identification establishing
identity and residence.  S.B. 83 also requires persons who register and
vote on the same day to be processed separately at the polling place from
those who are already registered voters.  The goal of S.B. 83 is to
increase the state's voter participation numbers.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 83 outlines provisions relating to the registration of
voters at 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 63, Election Code, by adding Section 63.0091, as
follows: 

Sec. 63.0091. REGISTRATION AT POLLING PLACE; VOTING PROCEDURES. Provides
that this section applies to the conduct of voting and to the registration
of voters notwithstanding and in addition to other applicable provisions
of this code.  Sets forth the provisions required for a person eligible to
vote in an election under Section 11.001 to be accepted for voting in the
precinct of the person's residence.  Requires persons voting under this
section to be processed separately at the polling place from persons
voting under regular procedures and requires the secretary of the state to
prescribe the procedures necessary to implement this section and ensure
the proper conduct of elections. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.