BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1131

By: Blanco

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) holds elections for its board of trustees on the May uniform election date. However, the City of El Paso holds its general elections on the November uniform date. The difference in election dates prevents the sharing of election costs between EPISD and the City of El Paso, which creates excessive costs for the school district that take away from opportunities to address funding issues centered around educational needs within the district. S.B. 1131 seeks to address this issue by providing for school districts in El Paso County to move their election for board members to the November uniform election date.

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. 1131 amends the Election Code to authorize the governing body of an independent school district that holds its general election for officers on a date other than the November uniform election date to change the date on which it holds its general election for officers to the November uniform election date. The bill applies only to a county that borders the United Mexican States and that has a population of at least 450,000 and not more than 870,000. The bill's provisions expire January 1, 2029.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.