BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 447

By: Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy"

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that the City of Mission has requested that the date of its general election be changed from the May uniform election date to the November uniform election date and that the city believes this change will provide increased opportunity for voters, which would be advantageous to the city, its residents, and the pursuit of democracy. S.B. 447 seeks to address the city's request to change the date on which it holds its general election by authorizing certain municipalities to change the date on which their general election for officers is held.

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. 447 amends the Election Code to authorize a municipality on the Texas-Mexico border with a population of more than 85,000 that hosts the annual Texas Citrus Fiesta and 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 prohibits the municipality, if it makes such a change, from changing the date on which it holds its general election for officers to a date other than the November uniform election date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.