BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 199

By: Bernal

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend the countywide polling place program was designed to help address poor voter turnout statewide by allowing voters to cast a ballot at any polling location in their county and to possibly reduce the number of voting places needed. Such parties are concerned that the number of counties allowed to participate in the program is too limited. H.B. 199 seeks to help increase voter turnout and cut county costs by removing a limitation on the number of counties eligible to participate in the program.

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. 199 repeals Section 43.007(i), Election Code, which limits the number of counties the secretary of state may select to participate in the countywide polling place program to six counties with a population of 100,000 or more and four counties with a population of less than 100,000.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.