BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2132

By: Klick

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that, despite the requirement that copies of certain statutorily required orders adopted in connection with the administration of elections be sent to the comptroller of public accounts, the comptroller is not required to retain those copies or use them. There have been calls to alleviate the administrative burden on local governments associated with this reporting requirement. H.B. 2132 seeks to remove the comptroller from among the recipients of a certified copy of those orders.

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. 2132 amends the Election Code to remove the comptroller of public accounts as a recipient of a certified copy of the following orders:

·         an order designating the county clerk as the voter registrar;

·         an order rescinding such a designation order;

·         an order creating the position of county elections administrator for a county;

·         an order abolishing the position of county elections administrator;

·         an order transferring to the county tax assessor-collector the duties and functions of the county clerk in connection with the conduct of elections;

·         an order rescinding such a transfer order;

·         an order creating the position of joint elections administrator; and

·         an order abolishing the position of joint elections administrator.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.