79(R) HB 3083 Introduced version

The bill would amend Election Code to require direct recording electronic voting machines to produce a voter-verified permanent paper record in an election. In the event of a ballot recount, the paper record would be the official record of the vote cast. The the bill would not apply to certain direct recording electronic voting machines until July 1, 2006; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2005. It is anticipated that any costs could be absorbed by existing resources.

Bexar County reported the bill would have a significant effect on the county’s overall budget. There would be one-time costs of approximately $1.5 million for new voting machines that meet the requirements. Additionally, there would be recurring costs of $354,312 for training; $243,000 for technical support; $138,600 for supplies; and $239,400 for transportation. For fiscal year 2006, the fiscal impact would be $2,504,037, decreasing to approximately $975,312 in fiscal years 2007 through 2010.

Dallas County reported initial costs of $1.8 million for printers that meet the requirements and ongoing costs of $180,000 for paper, ribbons, and maintenance for the machines.

Guadalupe County reported initial costs of $155,000 for 31 new machines that meet the requirements and an additional $9,000 for new staff, supplies, and technical support. This would have a significant effect on the county’s overall budget.

Fort Bend County reported initial costs of $95,000 for purchase and maintenance of printers that meet the requirements; these costs would decrease to approximately $5,000 per year for maintenance only.

Victoria County reported initial capital costs of $240,000 for new machines that meet the requirements. Additional personnel would cost $40,000 in fiscal year 2006, increase to $85,000 in fiscal year 2008, and would rise to $90,000 by 2010. Operational costs would start at $6,000 in fiscal year 2006, but would rise to as much as $20,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2010 because of the large general elections in those years. These fluctuations in costs would result in moderate to severe effects on the county budget.

Tom Green County reported that the costs to their county for new equipment that meets the requirement would depend on vendor costs. The Houston County Clerk reported that the provisions of the bill would have no significant impact on the budget.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 27, 2005

TO:	Honorable Mary Denny, Chair, House Committee on Elections

FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB3083 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the use of direct recording electronic voting machines.), As Introduced