H.B. 2094 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2094
By: Harper-Brown
Elections
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Election Code does not contain a definition for providing
assistance to a voter. Because of this, there can be confusion over when
assistance procedures apply and also over what is legal or illegal
assistance of a voter.  House Bill 2094 adds a definition of assistance. 


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 2094 amends the Election Code by providing a definition for
"assisting a voter."  The bill provides that assisting a voter, both one
who is voting by mail and one voting in the polling place, includes a
person other than the voter, while 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. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary votes, September
1, 2003.