BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1116

By: Bettencourt

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that the results of an election associated with an independent school district or local government entity, especially a tax ratification election, are not readily accessible, which leads to a less informed citizenry. To best ensure an informed public, especially as it relates to taxes and tax levies imposed on the taxpayer by an independent school district or local government, S.B. 1116 seeks to require cities, counties, or independent school districts that maintain a website to post election results on the website.

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

S.B. 1116 amends the Election Code to require a county that holds or provides election services for an election and maintains a website to post the following information on the county's public website for an election administered by the county:

· the results of each election;

· the total number of votes cast; and

· the total number of votes cast for each candidate or for or against each measure.

The bill requires a city or independent school district that holds an election and maintains a website to post such information on the public website for the city or district, as applicable.

S.B. 1116 requires the election result information to be posted as soon as practicable after the election and to be accessible without having to make more than two selections or view more than two network locations after accessing the website home page of the county, city, or district, as applicable.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.