BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1503
82R7193 ATP-D	By: White et al. (Nichols)
	State Affairs
	5/4/2011
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law the presiding judge in an election precinct is responsible for the management and conduct of the election, including selecting the appointment of special peace officers.  However, there are no qualifications regarding who can serve as a special peace officer.

H.B. 1503 amends current law relating to the qualifications to serve as a special peace officer at a polling place.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 32.075, Election Code, by adding Subsection (f), to provide that a  person is eligible for appointment as a special peace officer under Subsection (b) (relating to appointment of special peace officers by presiding officer) only if the person is licensed as a peace officer by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2011.