LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 17, 2007

TO:
Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1776 by Duncan (Relating to the requirements for accessibility to voting equipment by persons with disabilities in certain elections.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Election Code to remove the January 1, 2006 deadline reference for polling places to provide at least one voting station to accomodate persons with disabilities. The bill would add to the accomodations for which at least one station must comply, accessibility under 42 U.S.C. Section 15481(a)(3) and its subsequent amendments.

Section 61.013 would be added to the Election Code to provide that for an election other than an election of a political subdivision that is held jointly with another election in which a federal office appears on the ballot, certain political subdivisions would not be required to provide at least one voting station that complies with various listed federal laws regarding accomodations for persons with disabilities. The exception would be applied based on population criteria or on proof the accomodation would create an undue burden. The political subdivision would be required to file an application with the Secretary of State not later than 90 days before the election to seek the exception. The Secretary of State would be required to make a determination within 20 days after receipt of the application.

The bill would repeal the stipulation that the only polling places required to accomodate voters with disabilities would be those that use an electronic voting system.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

Based on analysis from the Secretary of State, requirements under the bill could be achieved utilizing existing resources.


Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
307 Secretary of State
LBB Staff:
JOB, KJG, DB