SRC-JEC H.B. 2094 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2094
78R7182 DRH-DBy: Harper-Brown (Harris)
State Affairs
5/6/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is no clear definition in the Election Code of what
constitutes assistance to a voter who is eligible to receive assistance.
There is a penalty related to the violation of the provision regarding
assistance.  H.B. 2094 provides a clear definition of voter assistance. 

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 B, Chapter 64, Election Code, by adding
Section 64.0321, as follows: 

Sec. 64.0321.  DEFINITION.  Provides that, for purposes of this subchapter
and Sections 85.035 and 86.010, assisting a voter includes the following
conduct by a person other than the voter that occurs while the person is
in the presence of the voter's ballot or carrier envelope:  reading the
ballot to the voter; directing the voter to read the ballot; marking the
voter's ballot; or directing the voter to mark the ballot. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.