SRC-JEC H.B. 2153 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2153 78R6819 ATP-DBy: Denny (Staples) State Affairs 5/14/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current law requires a political subdivision that is acquiring a voting system to obtain and attach to the contract a letter from the secretary of state's office certifying the system and equipment. H.B. 2153 requires that a contract for acquisition of a voting system be submitted to the secretary of state for approval prior to execution. 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 Section 123.035, Election Code, as follows: (a) Requires a contract for the acquisition of voting system equipment under this subchapter to be submitted to the secretary of state for approval. Requires the secretary of state, if the contract is approved, to provide to the parties to the contract certain information. (b) Provides that a contract for the acquisition of voting system equipment under this subchapter that is not approved by the secretary of state in accordance with Subsection (a) is void. (c) Makes conforming changes. (d) Requires the secretary of state, if the secretary does not approve a contract under this section, to provide notice to the parties to the contract that states the reasons the contract was not approved. SECTION 2. (a) Effective date: September 1, 2003. (b) and (c) Make application of this Act prospective.