BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2068

                                                                                                                                      By: Anderson

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

During the 78th regular session, the legislature enacted House Bill 2292, a major overhaul of health and human services in the state.  Among other changes, this reform bill led to the consolidation and reorganization of state agencies that provide public assistance and assistance to individuals with disabilities.  The National Voter Registration Act requires states to provide voter registration opportunities at such state agencies.  To reflect the changes in agency names and functions made by the health and human services reorganization, House Bill 2068 modifies the list of state agencies designated as voter registration agencies.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2068 amends the Election Code by modifying the list of state agencies designated as voter registration agencies.  The bill provides that the following are designated voter registration agencies:

• Health and Human Services Commission;
• Department of Aging and Disability Services;
• Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services;
• Department of State Health Services; and
• any other agency or program as determined by the secretary of state that primarily provides: public assistance, or services to persons with disabilities.

The bill removes the following from the list of designated agencies:

• Texas Department of Human Services;
• Texas Department of Health;
• Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation;
• Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired;
• Texas School for the Deaf;
• Texas Commission for the Blind;
• Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; and
• Texas Rehabilitation Commission.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005.