Honorable Geanie Morrison, Chair, House Committee On Elections
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB396 by Thompson, Senfronia (Relating to providing a federal postcard applicant with a ballot for any election in which the applicant is eligible to vote.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Election Code to authorize a person to apply for a ballot with a single federal postcard application for one or more elections in which the person is eligible to vote. Early voting clerks who do not conduct early voting would be required to forward a copy of a federal postcard application in a format prescribed by the Secretary of State (SOS) to each early voting clerk who conducts early voting for an election in which the person is eligible to vote.
SOS indicated that any costs associated with the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within the agency’s existing resources.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Municipal League (TML), it could be costly to send out ballots to applicants that may or may not be interested in a particular election.
Shelby County reported estimated costs totaling $11,500 for fiscal year (FY) 2014; and $14,000 for FY 2015. The costs would include the salary for one new employee ($10,000); and computer and supplies ($1,500) with similar amounts in subsequent fiscal years. The county indicated the costs would have a significant fiscal impact on the affected department's current fiscal year budget of $75,000.
Tarrant County reported estimated costs totaling $15,000 for FY 2014 through FY 2018 for postage and supplies ($15,000). The county indicated the costs are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact on the affected department's current budget of $5.4 million.
Washington County reported estimated costs totaling $7,000 for FY 2014 through FY 2008. The costs would include the salary for one new employee ($5,000); and postage and supplies ($2,000). The county indicated the costs are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact on the affected department's current budget of $308,200.
Garza and Travis counties reported no fiscal impact is anticipated.