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.