SRC-LBB H.B. 2089 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2089
By: Geren (Nelson)
State Affairs
5/7/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is no law requiring the secretary of state to post
candidate names publicly on the Internet.  In recent years, as use of the
Internet has become widespread, citizens look to reliable websites, such
as that maintained by the secretary of state, for information on elections
and candidates.  H.B. 2089 ensures that the names of each candidate who is
nominated for statewide or district office in the general election is
available to the public on the secretary of state's website. 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 31, Election Code, by adding
Section 31.010, as follows: 

Sec. 31.010.  INTERNET SITE FOR POSTING CANDIDATE NAMES.  Requires the
secretary of state (SOS) to make the name, address, and occupation of each
candidate who is nominated for statewide or district office in the general
election for state and county officers available to the public by posting
the name on SOS's website on the Internet as soon as practicable after it
becomes available under Section 146.024, 172.122, or 181.068. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 68.005, Election Code, by adding Subsection (d)
to require SOS to make the final report available to the public by posting
the report on SOS's website on the Internet. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 172.029, Election Code, by adding Subsection
(f) to require SOS to make the name, address, and occupation of each
candidate for statewide or district office available to the public by
posting each list received on SOS's website on the Internet as soon as
practicable after the date of the regular filing deadline for candidates'
applications. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.