BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 223

By: Cortez

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the 2020-2022 election cycle, the Bexar County Democratic Party reported receiving 444 filed applications for precinct chairs; nearly 20 percent of those applications had no contact information aside from a mailing address. Currently, the application form for precinct chair includes a place for the applicant to give a public email address, if available, and a phone number. However, giving a phone number is indicated as "optional" rather than required. H.B. 223 seeks to ensure that precinct chair candidates can be contacted by revising ballot application requirements for the election of a precinct chair.

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. 223 amends the Election Code to require an application for a place on the ballot as a candidate for precinct chair to include the following information in addition to complying with general application requirements:

· an email address at which the candidate receives correspondence relating to the candidate's campaign;

· a telephone number at which the candidate can be reached; or

· both the email address and telephone number.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.