SRC-JLB H.B. 2183 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2183
78R9711 DRH-DBy: Bohac (Janek)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/10/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

In 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature removed the provision requiring a
proposed charter amendment brought by citizen initiative to be placed on
the ballot on the first authorized uniform election date and added the
option of postponing the election for the approval of amendments until the
earlier of the next municipal general election or the next presidential
general election. The added options for election dates allowed some
municipalities to delay approval of the charter amendments, in some cases,
for several years.  H.B. 2183 removes the option of postponing the
election for the approval of amendments until the earlier of the next
municipal general election or the next presidential general election and
requires municipalities to hold such elections on the first authorized
uniform election date. 

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 9.004(b), Local Government Code, to delete text
regarding a charter amendment election being held "on the earlier of the
date of the next municipal general election or presidential general
election." 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.