SRC-TJG H.J.R. 62 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.J.R. 62
78R3124 ATP-DBy: Truitt (Nelson)
State Affairs
5/18/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

During the past several legislative sessions, the law has been changed to
allow certain unopposed candidates, including those in local races and in
special elections to fill vacancies in the legislature, to be declared
elected.  This policy promotes efficiency in election administration,
creates simpler ballots, and helps reduce the costs of elections.  H.J.R.
62 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to
permit a person to take office without election if the person is the only
candidate to qualify in an election for that office. 

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 Article XVI, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 13
to authorize the legislature, for an office for which this constitution
requires an election, to provide by general law for a person to take the
office without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify
in an election to be held for that office. 

SECTION 2.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2003.
Requires the ballot to be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition.