H.J.R. 62 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.J.R. 62
By: Truitt
Elections
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 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.  HJR 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

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department,
agency, or institution. 


ANALYSIS

HJR 62 amends the Texas Constitution by authorizing the legislature, for
an office for which the 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. 


FOR ELECTION

November 4, 2003.