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:	HB3290 by Chisum (Relating to the acceptance of a voter for voting.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require election officers who determine not to accept a voter to provide the voter with a statement signed by the election officer listing all reasons why the voter was not accepted and the circumstances under which a voter may vote a provisional ballot. The Secretary of State (SOS) would be required to prescribe the form to be used for the statement.  The election officer would be required to retain a copy of the statement and submit it to the general custodian of election records.  SOS would be required to study copies of signed statements on file and recommend to the legislature at least biennially any changes to reduce the number of eligible voters not accepted.  It is assumed costs associated with this bill could be absorbed within existing agency resources.  The bill would be effective September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, TP, BTA