AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Although the Internet has become an important communication tool, there is currently no space on an application for a place on a ballot for a candidate to provide an e-mail address.  Inclusion of this information on an application would be beneficial for candidates, county clerks, and election administrators so that those persons can communicate regarding election details.

 

H.B. 1593 adds a space to an application for a place on a ballot for a candidate to voluntarily provide their e-mail address.  This would apply to ballot application forms promulgated by the secretary of state, which would be available for use by other political subdivision conducting elections.

 

H.B. 1593 amends current law relating to the inclusion of a candidate's e-mail address on an official application for a place on the ballot.

 

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 141.039, Election Code, as follows:

 

Sec. 141.039.  OFFICIAL APPLICATION FORM.  Requires each official form for an application that a candidate is required to file under this code, in addition to the other statements and spaces for entering information that appear on an officially prescribed form for an application for a place on the ballot, to include:

 

(1)  a space for indicating the form in which the candidate's name is to appear on the ballot;

 

(2)  a space for the candidate's mailing address;

 

(3)  spaces for the candidate's home and office telephone numbers and e-mail address; and

 

(4)  a statement informing candidates that the furnishing of the telephone numbers or e-mail address is optional.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2011.