LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 3, 2009

TO:	Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB71 by Corte (Relating to voting by military personnel serving overseas, including the provision of ballots by electronic mail to military personnel, their spouses, and dependents and to identification requirements applicable to military personnel serving in combat zones.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require the Secretary of State to implement a program to provide a ballot by electronic mail to military personnel serving overseas and their spouses and dependents residing overseas. A voter would not be required to show proof of identification to vote if the voter is a member of the armed forces of the United States who is on active duty under the lawful orders of competent authority in an area that has been designated by the president of the United States as a combat zone.

Counties with a population of 100,000 or more shall participate in the program and counties with a population under 100,000 may participate if approval is received from the Secretary of State.

Local Government Impact

Counties with a large military population could incur costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill.

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, KK, MS, BTA, TP