LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 25, 2009

TO:	Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1310 by Duncan (Relating to a program allowing for countywide voting locations in certain elections.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require the Secretary of State (SOS) to implement a program to allow each commissioners court participating in the program to eliminate county election precincts and establish countywide polling places for certain elections. In conducting the program, SOS would be required to provide for an audit of the direct recording electronic voting units. The bill would require SOS to file a report not later than January 1, 2011 with the legislature providing recommendations on the future use of countywide polling places and suggestions for statutory authority regarding the use of countywide polling places through the state. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. It is assumed that a commissioners court of a county would elect to participate in the countywide polling place program only if funds are available.

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, MS, BTA, TP