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.