H.B. 999 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 999
By: Madden
Elections
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, candidates, officeholders, and political committees are
required to file reports electronically with the Texas Ethics Commission.
The Election Code provides an exception to this requirement for those who
claim they do not use a computer to keep current records.  In recent
years, the use of computers has become widespread.  Computers are
available at public libraries and other locations throughout the state,
giving access to those who do not possess their own, and filers are
authorized to use these publicly accessible computers to file their
reports with the Texas Ethics Commission.  House Bill 999 removes the
exception to electronic filing requirements for those claiming they do not
use computers. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 999 amends the Election Code by repealing the exception to the
electronic filing requirements for candidates, officeholders, or political
committees who claim they do not use computer equipment to keep current
records. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.