BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 25

By: Simmons

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that straight-party voting pulls a voter's attention away from
down-ballot candidates for certain offices that most directly affect the voter and that this practice discourages a voter from researching all the candidates on the ballot. H.B. 25 seeks to address this issue by eliminating straight-party voting for candidates in Texas.

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. 25 amends the Election Code to eliminate straight-party voting. 

H.B. 25 repeals the following provisions of the Election Code:

· Section 1.005(20)

· Section 52.071

· Section 64.004

· Section 65.007

· Section 122.001(b)

· Section 124.001

· Section 124.003(d)

· Section 124.063(d)

· Section 232.050(d)

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.