HBA-TYH H.J.R. 63 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 63
By: Maxey
Urban Affairs
3/15/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently Texans elect their mayors, council members, or aldermen by a
strict majority voting system.  A majority voting system may not be the
most representative system.  For some cities, majority voting may be the
best system, while another voting system may work better for other cities.
As proposed, H.J.R. 63 requires the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment removing restrictions on the types of voting
methods that may be used to elect the governing body of a municipality. 

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 11, Article XI, Texas Constitution, to provide
that a vacancy or vacancies on the governing body of a municipality must be
filled by vote of the qualified voters, rather than by majority vote of the
qualified voters, at a special election called for such purposes within 120
days of the occurrence of such vacancy or vacancies. Makes conforming
changes. 

SECTION 2.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 1999.  Sets forth the
required language for the ballot.