BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2986

By: Israel

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties explain that local canvassing authorities, which include county commissioners courts and governing bodies of other political subdivisions, are required to conduct the local canvass for election returns under their purview. The parties report that a significant number of canvassing authorities have asked how to properly memorialize the canvass and have requested a clear process addressing this issue. H.B. 2986 seeks to establish this process.

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. 2986 amends the Election Code to require the presiding officer of the canvassing authority to note the completion of the canvass in the minutes or in the recording required under state open meetings law.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.