BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1627

By: Flynn

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Election judges are a vital part of the process of elections, yet interested parties have expressed concern that it can be difficult to find a qualified, eligible judge who is willing to accept the appointment. It is the intention of H.B. 1627 to establish a process to ensure that these appointments can be made. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1627 amends the Election Code to remove the specification that provisions establishing the eligibility requirements for appointment of a presiding judge of an election precinct in the event an eligible qualified voter of the precinct who is willing to accept the appointment cannot be found apply to an emergency appointment of a presiding judge. The bill expands those provisions to make them applicable to the appointment of an alternate presiding judge and repeals a provision authorizing an alternate presiding judge, in certain precincts, to be a qualified voter of another precinct in the county.

H.B. 1627 repeals Section 32.051(e), Election Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.