BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2888
86R992 JCG-D	By: Springer (Perry)
	Administration
	4/30/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current statute (Section 1113.053, Special District Local Laws Code) requires potential candidates for the Wilbarger County Hospital Board to gather 100 signatures in order to have their name printed on the election ballot. The hospital district is looking to sunset this requirement, thereby helping reduce barriers for those who are interested in running for a position on the hospital board. Additionally, since Wilbarger County Hospital District does not have a large population, there have been instances in which one person, as a result, signs multiple petitions for different candidates running for office. Signing multiple petitions is not allowed under law. This issue has caused problems for candidates seeking a fair election. 

H.B. 2888 mends current law by relating to a petition filed for a place on the ballot as a candidate for the board of directors of the Wilbarger County Hospital District.

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 1113.053, Special District Local Laws Code, as follows:

Sec. 1113.053. BALLOT PETITION. Requires the petition for a person to be included on the ballot as a candidate for the board of directors of the Willbarger County Hospital District to be filed by the deadline imposed by Section 144.005 (Filing Deadline), Election Code, rather than signed by at least 100 registered voters and filed by the deadline imposed by Section 144.005, Election Code. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019. �