SRC-CTC S.B. 79 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 79
2001S0030/1By: Shapiro
State Affairs
2/7/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law provides four uniform election dates, but allows 10
exceptions permitting political subdivisions to hold elections on other
days.  These exceptions result in multiple elections for various local,
state, and federal affairs, prompting voter apathy and confusion.  As
proposed, S.B. 79 eliminates several exceptions from the uniform election
dates. 

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 Section 41.001, Election Code, to require each general
or special election to be held on the first Saturday in February rather
than the third Saturday in January, and the first Saturday in September
rather than the second Saturday in August, except as otherwise specified by
this subchapter.  Deletes wording relating to elections that are not
subject to this section.  Prohibits an election for an office where a
majority vote is required from being held on the September or February
uniform election dates. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 41.253(b), Education Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 49.103(b), Water Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 56.804(a), Water Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 5.  (a) Makes application of this Act prospective for an election
held on the August uniform election date in 2001. 
 (b) Provides that Section 41.006 (Adjusting Election Schedule), Election
Code, applies to a change in election dates made in accordance with this
Act. 
 (c) Makes application of this Act prospective for an election ordered
before the effective date and described by Subdivisions (2), (3), (8), or
(10), Section 41.001(b) (Uniform Election Dates), Election Code. 

SECTION 6.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.