SRC-JEC H.B. 2064 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2064
78R6827 JRJ-DBy: Bohac (Lindsay)
State Affairs
5/19/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law provides no directive to forward an application for an early
voting ballot to the correct official in the event the application is sent
to the wrong county official.   This can result in the voter losing the
opportunity to vote early.  H.B. 2064 requires an application mailed to
the wrong early voting clerk to be forwarded to the correct clerk within
one day. 

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 84.001, Election Code, by amending Subsection
(d) and adding Subsection (d-1), as follows: 

(d)  Requires an application to be submitted by mail to the early voting
clerk for the election who serves the election precinct of the applicant's
residence.  Deletes text prohibiting an applicant from using a form that
is furnished to the applicant unless the application form is printed or
stamped with the name or office or official title of the early voting
clerk as addressee and the clerk's official mailing address. 

(d-1) Requires a timely application that is addressed to the wrong early
voting clerk to be forwarded to the proper early voting clerk not later
than the day after the date it is received by the wrong clerk. 

SECTION 2.   (a)  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.

  (b)  Makes application of this Act prospective.