LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 2, 2013

TO:
Honorable Geanie Morrison, Chair, House Committee on Elections
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1958 by Turner, Sylvester (Relating to voting by voters unable to enter a polling place. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Election Code to require the Secretary of State to adopt rules and procedures related to informing and educating the public and providing training for election officers on the availability of voting, eligibility requirements for voting, and the law regarding voting for those individuals that are unable to enter a polling place. The bill would require an election officer to develop a system to check outside the polling place for a voter who is unable to enter a polling place, require a polling place to post signs outside that provide instructions for such voters and provide a telephone number that voters may call for assistance. The Secretary of State would be able to withhold funds from a political subdivision that does not comply with the requirements of the bill. The Secretary of State indicates that the bill would not result in a significant fiscal impact to the state. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2013.

Local Government Impact

The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) reported that Bexar County would see costs of approximately $360,000 for each two-year election cycle. Each election would cost approximately $40,000 for new staff at 300 voting sites and 42 early voting sites, with nine elections occurring every two years.

TAC reported that Fort Bend County anticipates costs of $97,500 to comply with the bill, which includes costs for wireless call stations and proper signage.

According to TAC, Tarrant County estimates costs of $205,000 for a call system and $25,000 for signs.

TAC also reported that Wise County anticipates costs of $15,000 for a call system and $1,000 for signs.



Source Agencies:
307 Secretary of State
LBB Staff:
UP, KJo, SD, EP, CK, KKR