BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 231
	By: Seliger
	State Affairs
	5/24/2021
	Enrolled

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

In 2020, a $569 million Midland Independent School District school bond election passed on election night, failed after mail-in ballots were counted, and passed again after a recount.  However, the bond failed again when a box of missing votes was found.  While Texas law requires election judges and clerks to undergo training programs, it does not account for election administrators.

 

S.B. 231 will ensure greater election integrity by requiring the secretary of state to administer training to county election administrators in the same manner it does for election judges and clerks.

 

S.B. 231 amends current law relating to training for county election officers.

 

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 Subchapter E, Chapter 31, Election Code, by adding Section 31.126, as follows:

Sec. 31.126. TRAINING. (a) Defines "county election officer."

(b) Requires the secretary of state to provide a standardized training program and materials for county election officers in the same manner it provides such a program to election judges and clerks under Subchapter F (Training), Chapter 32 (Election Judges and Clerks).

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.