HBA-NMO, GUM H.B. 3257 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3257
By: Homer
Elections
9/30/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, the City of Ravenna, Fannin County,
requested authorization to change its current general election date from
the November to the new municipal general election date which is the first
Saturday in May.  The city argued that the change would allow it to comply
with the statesuggested election pattern for municipalities as well as
provide potential savings by enabling the city to hold joint elections with
the local school district.  H.B. 3257 extends from December 31, 1997 to
December 31, 1999, the last date by which the governing body of a political
subdivision other than a county may change the date of its general
election, and provides that an election on the new date cannot be held
before 2000, rather than 1998. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 41.0052(a), Election Code, to extend from
December 1, 1997 to December 1, 1999 the last date by which the governing
body of a political subdivision other than a county may change the date on
which it holds its general election for officers.  Provides that an
election on the new date cannot be held before 2000, rather than 1998. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.