BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2125

By: Klick

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties report that vendors of voting machines used in Texas offer two options for voting in person: optical scan and direct record electronic voting machines. The parties note that both are capable of being used in the same election since each vendor's tabulation software can tabulate the data from both systems. However, the parties point out that state law prohibits using both types of voting machines at a polling place in the same election. The parties assert that eliminating the restriction on using only one kind of voting system in a polling place would reduce the length of time voters must wait in line as there would be more options available for voting and would also give voters a choice in methods for casting a ballot, resulting in voters who are more confident and comfortable in the use of voting system technology. H.B. 2125 seeks to address this issue.

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. 2125 repeals an Election Code provision which authorizes only one kind of voting system to be used at a polling place in an election. The bill amends the Election Code to specify that the prohibition against the use of regular paper ballots at a polling place using a voting system applies to any polling place if a voting system is used in the election.

H.B. 2125 repeals Section 123.005(a), Election Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.