SRC-AAA S.B. 1075 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1075 By: Ellis State Affairs 4-16-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, local governments have large election expenditures. This bill directs the secretary of state to collect, maintain information on the number of elections held in Texas and their administrative costs, conduct an annual forum to allow election officials to exchange ideas on the administration of elections and issues related to making elections in Texas more efficient, and to reduce the number of Texas uniform election dates from four to two. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1075 directs the secretary of state to collect, maintain information on the number of elections held in Texas and their administrative costs, conduct an annual forum to allow election officials to exchange ideas on the administration of elections and issues related to making elections in Texas more efficient, and to reduce the number of Texas uniform election dates from four to two. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the secretary of state in SECTION 5 of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 41.001, Election Code, to delete requirements that elections be held the third Saturday in January and the second Saturday in August. Deletes existing Subsection (b)(2), providing that Subsection (a) does not apply to a local option election held under the Alcoholic Beverage Code or an election held by a political subdivision using the convention method of election. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 41.003, Election Code, to authorize general elections for state or county officers to be held for an election for the issuance or assumption of bonds by a political subdivision. SECTION 3. Amends Section 41.0052(a), Election Code, to authorize a governing body of a political subdivision to change the date it hold elections, no later than December 31, 1997. Prohibits a new election on the new date from being held before 1998, rather than 1994. SECTION 4. Amends Chapter 31A, Election Code, by adding Section 31.008, as follows: Sec. 31.008. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION: FORUM ON ELECTION COST SAVINGS. Requires the secretary of state to collect information on the administrative costs of elections. Requires the secretary of state to hold an annual forum on the administrative costs of elections and to make recommendations on proposed changes in the election laws. SECTION 5. Sets forth duties of the secretary of state with regard to designating the first election. Requires the secretary of state to adopt rules and modify provisions regarding elections. Requires the commissioners court of a county to decide certain matters concerning elections. Requires the secretary of state to file with the governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives, a report, including making recommendations, evaluating the report of the mail ballot election. SECTION 6. Repealer: Section 41.0051, Election Code (Election dates and hours for voting). SECTION 7. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 8. Emergency clause.