SRC-JRN S.B. 1090 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1090 By: Patterson State Affairs 3-19-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, state law authorizes the appointment of a signature verification committee at each election. However, the role of the signature committee is advisory and may not be utilized in some counties. This bill allows the signature committee to participate in the verification of signatures on applications and ballots, and to vote on the acceptance or rejection of the ballot; provides that the vote of the signature committee is binding. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1090 allows the signature verification committee to participate in the verification of signatures on applications and ballots, and to vote on the acceptance or rejection of the ballot; provides that the vote of the signature committee is binding. 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 Section 87.027(a), Election Code, to provide that Section 87.0271 supersedes this section to the extent of a conflict. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 87B, Election Code, by adding Section 87.0271, as follows: Sec. 87.0271. COMMITTEE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO GENERAL ELECTION FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS. Requires a signature verification committee to be appointed in the general election for state and county officers. Provides that Section 87.027 applies to the committee, except as provided by this section. Requires each county chairman of a political party with nominees on the general election ballot to submit a list of names of persons who are eligible to serve on the signature verification committee to the county election board. Requires the county election board to appoint three persons from each list to serve as members of the committee. Provides that the early voting clerk also serves as a member of the committee. Requires a determination under Section 87.027(i) that the signatures do not match to be made by majority vote of the committee. Provides that a determination made by the committee is final and may not be changed by the early voting ballot board. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.