SRC-MAX S.B. 513 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 513 By: Madla State Affairs 3-11-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, ballot boxes have to be driven from the polling place to the central counting station. There are concerns that this process results in untimely tabulations and security problems. S.B. 513 authorizes results to be transmitted by computer modem from a precinct polling place or a regional collection site to the central counting station once the polls have closed. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 513 sets forth the provisions for transmitting certain precinct election results. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the secretary of state in SECTION 1 (Sec. 127.1231(b), Election Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 127.1231, Election Code, to authorize the secretary of state to prescribe procedures for the use of a system to allow results to be transmitted by a modem to the central counting station from units of automatic tabulating equipment located at a precinct polling place or at a regional tabulating center serving several precincts. Requires the system to provide for a secure transmission of data. Prohibits results from being transmitted until the polls close on election day. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.