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.