BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 393

80R4879 TAD-D                                                                                                     By: Patrick, Dan

Government Organization

3/5/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, the state does not officially recognize the private citizens who donate their time and resources to serve the institution of democracy by supporting Texas' election process.  Chapter 662, Government Code, designates several recognition days including Sam Rayburn Day, Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day, Columbus Day, and Father of Texas Day.

As proposed, S.B. 393 establishes "Volunteers for Democracy Day" as the second Tuesday in January of each year.  This bill allows members of the Texas Legislature to recognize precinct chairs and other election volunteers on the first day of a legislative session.

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 C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.053, as follows:

Sec. 662.053.  VOLUNTEERS FOR DEMOCRACY DAY.  Designates the second Tuesday in January of each year as Volunteers for Democracy Day in honor of the precinct chairs and other election volunteers who make valuable contributions to the nation's democratic system.  Requires Volunteers for Democracy Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2007.