BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3341

By: Swanson

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the integrity of elections conducted in Texas, particularly with regard to fraudulent activity potentially occurring in ballot counting rooms. There have been calls to ensure that ballot counting activity is above board and may be held accountable at all times. H.B. 3341 seeks to address this issue by requiring the secretary of state to establish a pilot program for recording activity at ballot counting stations.

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. 3341 amends the Election Code to require the secretary of state to establish a pilot program requiring a county to use a video recording device to record ballot counting activity in not less than 20 percent of precincts in the county. The bill requires the secretary of state to do the following:

·       select six counties with specified populations to take part in the pilot program;

·       adopt procedures to implement the program;

·       operate the program until January 31, 2023; and

·       file a report with the legislature not later than that date that states which counties participated in the program, the number of precincts that recorded video, any best practices for placement and use of the video recording devices, and any other information and recommendations considered necessary.

The bill's provisions expire January 31, 2023.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.