BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 2075

86R22358 JRJ-D

By: Neave et al. (Zaffirini)

 

State Affairs

 

5/10/2019

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Widowed or divorced persons who have not yet legally changed their name before running for office could face legal challenges should they choose to run under another surname. This ambiguity in the law has resulted in candidates trying to disqualify their opponents for running under their maiden name.

 

H.B. 2075 would clarify that a candidate may choose to run for office under any surname acquired by law or marriage. This would ensure that persons seeking elected office are not removed from the ballot for a reason that does not impact their ability to serve the public.

 

H.B. 2075 amends current law relating to the form of a candidate's name on a ballot.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 52.031, Election Code, by adding Subsection (a-1) to authorize a person to use any surname acquired by law or marriage.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.