LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 24, 2009

TO:	Honorable Todd Smith, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB452 by Allen (Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend various sections of the Elections Code as well as repeal various sections of the same code, expanding eligibility to vote by mail during early voting.

Local Government Impact

Based on information provided by Tarrant County, while it is unknown how many voters who would be eligible to vote by mail under provisions of the bill would vote using that method, it is assumed the increased costs would have a moderate negative fiscal impact. For example, the county incurred costs of $53,500 related to early voting by mail for the election in November 2008. The county estimates costs under provisions of the bill could be $80,000 in fiscal year 2010 and increase incrementally each year thereafter.

The cost would vary by county and would depend on the number of voters who would choose to participate in early voting via mail.

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, TP, DB