86R11980 ATP-F

By: Fallon S.B. No. 1566

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the elections for which countywide polling places may be used.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 43.004(c), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) If a political subdivision holds an election jointly with an election described by Section 43.007(a)(1), (2), or (3)[, or (4)] and is required to use countywide polling places under Section 43.007, the governing body of the political subdivision may designate as the polling places for any required runoff election only the polling places located in the territory or in and near the territory of the political subdivision where eligible voters reside.

SECTION 2. Sections 43.007(a) and (k), Election Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) The secretary of state shall implement a program to allow each commissioners court participating in the program to eliminate county election precinct polling places and establish countywide polling places for:

(1) [each general election for state and county officers;

[(2)] each election held on the uniform election date in May and any resulting runoff;

(2) [(3)] each election on a proposed constitutional amendment that is not held on the same date as the general election for state and county officers;

(3) [(4)] each primary election and runoff primary election if[:

[(A)] the county chair or county executive committee of each political party participating in a joint primary election under Section 172.126 agrees to the use of countywide polling places; [or

[(B) the county chair or county executive committee of each political party required to nominate candidates by primary election agrees to use the same countywide polling places;] and

(4) [(5)] each election of a political subdivision located in the county that is held jointly with an election described by Subdivision (1), (2), or (3)[, or (4)].

(k) Each county that previously participated in a program under this section is authorized to continue participation in the program for future elections held on the uniform election date in May and any resulting runoff, elections on proposed constitutional amendments that are not held on the same date as the general election for state and county officers, and primary elections and runoff primary elections as described by Subsection (a) if:

(1) the commissioners court of the county approves participation in the program; and

(2) the secretary of state determines the county's participation in the program was successful.

SECTION 3. Section 32.002(c-1), Election Code, is repealed.

SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act. An election ordered before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the election was ordered, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.