LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 20, 2009

TO:	Honorable Todd Smith, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1117 by Hochberg (Relating to certain instructions on election ballots.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require instructions explaining the reasons a vote may not be counted or may count in a different manner than a voter would expect or intend. The bill would be effective immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds or on September 1, 2009. The changes in law would only apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2010.

Local Government Impact

The bill would require electronic voting systems to include additional instructions and warnings to be made on ballots.

Elections administrators in Montgomery, Howard, Lubbock, and Tom Green Counties reported the costs associated with the provisions of the bill are not anticipated to be significant. Harris County reported the costs would be an estimated $25,000 for new operational expenses in 2010. Dallas County reported vendors would be required to update voting equipment (firmware) to be in compliance with state machines; therefore, there would be no costs associated with the provisions of the bill.

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, TP, BTA