81R3194 JRJ-D

By: Brown of Brazos H.B. No. 1638

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to state compensation for certain election expenses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 32.091(c), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) For a primary or runoff primary election, the minimum hourly rate is the greater of the maximum rate provided by Subsection (a) or, if the election officer attended a training program as provided by Subchapter F, $10 [$7].

SECTION 2. Subchapter E, Chapter 32, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 32.095 to read as follows:

Sec. 32.095. LEAVE FOR SERVICE AS ELECTION JUDGE OR CLERK. A deduction may not be made from the salary, wages, or accrued leave of an officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state because the officer or employee serves as an election judge or clerk. A deduction prohibited by this section includes a deduction for any fee or compensation the employee receives for serving as an election judge or clerk.

SECTION 3. Section 32.114(e), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(e) An election judge, early voting clerk, or deputy early voting clerk in charge of an early voting polling place is entitled to compensation for attending the training program at an hourly rate not to exceed $10 [$7].

SECTION 4. Section 173.007(b), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) Rules adopted under this section must provide for state compensation for a sufficient number of polling places in each county to adequately serve its voters, taking into account the area, geographic features, estimated voter turnout, and other relevant factors. The state compensation must be proportional to the number of polling places in a county, but in no case may state compensation be limited to fewer than one polling place for each commissioners precinct.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.