BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1812

By: Swanson

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Throughout the 2020 election cycle, it became abundantly clear that the law needs to be clarified that all candidates nominated by convention for a primary election must pay the requisite filing fee or submit a valid petition in lieu of a filing fee.  H.B. 1812 seeks to clarify the Election Code.

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. 1812 amends the Election Code to clarify that the requirement to pay the requisite filing fee or submit a valid petition in lieu of the filing fee for a candidate who is nominated by party convention, in order for that candidate to be eligible to be placed on the ballot for the general election for state and county officers, applies to all candidates in order to be considered for nomination by convention.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.