BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 269

80R3731 JRJ-D                                                                                                               By: Shapiro

State Affairs

2/5/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, there is no statute authorizing countywide polling locations as an alternative to those in county election precincts. This bill seeks to improve access to polling locations by providing an alternative location at which to vote in a county.

As proposed, S.B. 269 requires the secretary of state to implement a program to use countywide polling locations for each general election for state and county officers as an alternative to the polling places located in each county election precinct, as required under the Texas Election Code. Participation in the program is limited to counties that use direct recording electronic voting systems and provide a computerized and linked voter registration list at each polling location. In addition, counties that wish to participate are required to conduct a public hearing on the county's participation in the program and submit a transcript or electronic recording of the public comments made at the hearing to the secretary of state.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 43, Election Code, by adding Section 43.007, as follows:

Sec. 43.007. COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the secretary of state to implement a program to use countywide polling places for each general election for state and county officers as an alternative to polling places located in each county election precinct.

(b) Requires the commissioners court of a county that desires to participate in the program to hold a public hearing and to submit to the secretary of state a transcript or electronic recording of the public comments made at the hearing.

(c) Requires the secretary of state, in conducting the program, to provide for an audit of the direct recording electronic voting units before and after the election, and during the election to the extent practicable.

(d) Sets forth specific criteria by which the secretary of state is required to select counties for the program.

(e) Authorizes the secretary of state to select for participation a county that has previously participated in a similar program.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.