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.