Honorable Briscoe Cain, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3276 by Parker (Relating to the security of voted ballots.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Election Code to require the posting of a licensed peace officer to protect the ballot boxes containing voted ballots throughout the period of tabulation at the central counting station. The bill would also require the general custodian of election records to implement a video surveillance system that retains a record of all areas containing voted ballots from the time the voted ballots are delivered to the central counting station until the canvass of precinct election returns. The bill provides that the video would be an election record that would be required to be retained by the general custodian until the end of the calendar year in which an election is held.
The Secretary of State anticipates no significant fiscal impact.
Local Government Impact
Election Administrators for Cameron, El Paso, Aransas, Tarrant, and Ellis counties anticipate a fiscal impact. Costs associated with implementing the bill's provisions include a licensed peace officer during elections and video surveillance capability. Cameron County anticipates an unspecified cost for a licensed peace officer. El Paso County anticipates additional election costs of $10,000. Aransas County anticipates $500 per election for licensed peace officers and $7,000 for video surveillance equipment. Ellis County anticipates $700 per election for licensed peace officers and $1,500 for video cameras.