BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1499

By: Davis, Sarah

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that a smaller newspaper notice for general or special elections providing the address of a website that includes lists of polling locations would save money and modernize an outdated process. H.B. 1499 seeks to authorize election officials to exercise this option.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 1499 amends the Election Code to authorize a notice of a general or special election given by publishing the notice in a newspaper to provide the address of a website that lists the location of each polling place instead of stating the location of each polling place.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.