BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2640

By: King, Tracy O.

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Certain political subdivisions report that it is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to continue with elections held in May, given that the county election administrators are not required to assist other local governments with these elections as they are for elections held in November. In 2015, the legislature set a deadline of December 31, 2016, for an applicable political subdivision to change the general election date. Because that deadline has passed, H.B. 2640 seeks to address this issue by providing for a new deadline by which the governing body of certain political subdivisions may change the date on which it holds its general election for officers to the November uniform election date.

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. 2640 amends the Election Code to authorize the governing body of a political subdivision, other than a county or municipal utility district, that holds its general election for officers on a date other than the November uniform election date to change the date on which it holds its general election for officers to the November uniform election date. The governing body must make that change not later than December 31, 2022.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.