SRC-SEW H.B. 2691 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2691 77R11530 EBy: Madden (Ellis) State Affairs 5/7/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently the Department of Public Safety (DPS) collects voter registration application information at the time a person applies for a driver's license. This information is collected electronically and is then printed on a paper card for the applicant's signature. The card is then mailed to the appropriate county voter registrar and processed into an electronic file by the county registrar. The file is used to produce the voter rolls and a voter certificate is mailed to the voter. Maintaining this information electronically may speed up the process, minimize data entry errors, and reduce the possibility of lost applications. H.B. 2691 requires DPS to have voter registration information and signatures for residents of certain counties digitally captured and then transferred in electronic form to the county. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 20C, Election Code, by adding Section 20.066, as follows: Sec. 20.066. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN POPULOUS COUNTIES. Sets forth guidelines regarding voter registration procedures in certain counties. SECTION 2. Creates a committee to study and report on the implementation of Section 20.066, Election Code, as added by this Act. Sets forth guidelines regarding the committee. Requires the committee to report its findings and any recommendations to the legislature not later than December 1, 2002. Provides that the study committee is abolished and this section expires September 1, 2003. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2001.