BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center |
H.B. 677 |
89R3657 MPF-F |
By: DeAyala; Capriglione (Bettencourt) |
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State Affairs |
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5/9/2025 |
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Engrossed |
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current statute prohibits county elections administrators from being a candidate for public office or for an office of a political party, as well as from holding a public office or position within a political party. However, a county elections administrator may still be elevated to an office appointed by an elected official, which, as the bill author informed the committee, could create conflicts of interest, undermine public trust in election integrity, and blur the lines between nonpartisan election administration and political influence. H.B. 677 seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality of election administration by prohibiting a county elections administrator from holding an office or position appointed by an elected official.
H.B. 677 amends current law relating to the restrictions on political activities of a county elections administrator.
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 Section 31.035(a), Election Code, to prohibit a county elections administrator from being a candidate for a public office or an office of a political party, holding a public office, holding an office of or position in a political party, or holding another office or position appointed by an elected official and to make a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 2. Makes application of Section 31.035(a), Election Code, as amended by this Act, prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.