LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 17, 2007

TO:	Honorable Leo Berman, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB836 by Duncan (Relating to a program allowing for countywide voting locations in certain elections.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would allow for countywide voting locations in certain elections.  Counties would be required to adopt a methodology for determining the locations of polling places and would be required to maintain at least 50 percent of the number of precinct polling places that would otherwise be located in the county. The secretary of state would be responsible for implementing a program to allow a commissioners court to participate in a countywide voting program; auditing the direct recording devices used during the elections; and selecting the counties eligible to participate based on criteria established in the bill. The program would be a pilot program until June 1, 2009, at which time the secretary of state would file a report with the legislature that contains recommendations and suggestions for permanent statutory authority regarding countywide polling places.

The bill would be effective upon a two-thirds vote of each house. Otherwise the bill would be effective September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. It is assumed that a commissioners court of a county would elect to participate in the countywide polling place program only if funds are available.

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, MS, KJG