HBA-JEK H.B. 2923 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2923 By: Jones, Jesse Elections 6/29/2001 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 2000 presidential election prompted concerns about the distribution and utilization of various balloting methods and types of voting equipment in this state. House Bill 2923 requires any new voting technology that is introduced for a primary election, an election ordered by the governor, or an election ordered by a county authority to be distributed and used proportionately and equitably among the election precincts in which it is used. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking authority is expressly delegated to the secretary of state in SECTION 3 (Section 123.009, Election Code) of this bill. ANALYSIS House Bill 2923 amends the Election Code to require upgraded, modified, or enhanced voting technology for use in a primary election, an election ordered by the governor, or an election ordered by a county authority to be distributed and used proportionately and equitably among the election precincts in which the particular voting system is used. The bill authorizes the secretary of state by rule to prescribe any procedures necessary for the implementation of this requirement in a manner that protects the voting rights of the affected voters. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.