LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 2, 2007

TO:	Honorable Leo Berman, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1364 by Anchia (Relating to the accuracy, security, and reliability of certain electronic voting systems.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 61, Electcion Code, to require each polling place to provide at least one voting station that complies with Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its subsequent amendments and Title II of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and that provides a practical and effective means for voters with physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot, including a provisional vote under Section 63.011, Election Code. This section of the bill would take effect January 1, 2008. Under current statute, each polling place was to have met these standards not later than January 1, 2006, except that the requirement regarding a provisional vote would be added by the bill.

The bill would amend Chapter 129, Election Code, regarding the use of electronic voting systems and procedures for testing them for accuracy, security, and reliability. Other than as noted above, the bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

The impact would vary by local governmental entity responsible for polling places and would depend on what systems are already in place. For example, Dallas County reports that the provisions of the bill would have no fiscal impact on the county, as Dallas County already meets the requirements included in the bill. However, Howard County reports that there would be significant costs incurred in even-numbered years and moderate costs incurred in odd-numbered years related to the number of staff that would be required for meeting all of the provisions of the bill.

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, DB