H.B. 2093 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2093
By: Harper-Brown
Elections
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law prescribes different electioneering and distance marker for
the general election day and the early voting period.  This can result in
confusion for polling place and campaign workers who must know different
rules for different elections.  House Bill 2093 provides for a uniform
prohibition on electioneering conforming to the current election day rule. 


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 2093 amends the Election Code by prohibiting, during the time
an early voting polling place is open for the conduct of voting,
electioneering for or against any candidate, measure, or political party
within 100 feet of an outside door through which a voter may enter the
building or structure in which the early voting polling place is located.
The bill deletes provisions relating to other distance markers for
electioneering in or near early voting polling places. 

HB 2093 repeals the provisions which provide that the offense for
electioneering and loitering near polling places and the offense for the
unlawful operation of a sound truck near a polling place do not apply to
early voting polling places. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.