79R2122 JRJ-D

By:  Denny                                                        H.B. No. 758



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a pilot program allowing for countywide voting 
locations in certain elections.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 43, Election Code, is 
amended by adding Section 43.007 to read as follows:
	Sec. 43.007.  COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE PILOT PROGRAM.  (a)  
The secretary of state shall implement a pilot program to evaluate 
the use of countywide polling places for the general election for 
state and county officers as an alternative to the polling place 
located in each county election precinct.  The program shall be 
limited to a single county that:
		(1)  chooses to participate;                                           
		(2)  has implemented a computerized voter registration 
list that allows an election officer at the polling place to verify 
that a voter has not otherwise voted in the election; and
		(3)  uses direct recording electronic voting machines.                 
	(b)  At the conclusion of the pilot program established under 
Subsection (a), but not later than January 1, 2007, the secretary of 
state shall file a report with the legislature. The report may 
include the secretary of state's recommendations on the future use 
of countywide polling places and suggestions for permanent 
statutory authority regarding countywide polling places.
	(c)  This section expires January 2, 2007.                              
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.