BILL ANALYSIS
By: Anchia
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, voter registrars in each county receive money from the state based on the number of initial, cancelled, and total registrations each year. These funds are used to help defray the costs of voter registration, including compliance with certain federal and state laws, like the National Voter Registration Act. Currently, the vouchers are submitted by the registrar, approved by the secretary of state, and the comptroller issues warrants. House Bill 2322 creates an online application maintained by the Secretary of State to manage the transfer of these funds, including direct deposit to the county.
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 2322 amends the Election Code by requiring the secretary of state to establish and maintain an online electronic system for administering vouchers submitted and warrants issued for funds relating to the financing of voter registration, not later than January 1, 2006. The bill requires voter registrars to electronically submit vouchers to the secretary of state using this system and requires the system to provide for the direct deposit of disbursements in the registrars' accounts. The bill requires the secretary of state to prescribe procedures necessary to implement these provisions.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.