HBA-ATS, LCA H.B. 2057 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2057
By: Yarbrough
Elections
10/5/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

According to a survey conducted by the secretary of state, more than
120,500 voters in 216 counties applied for ballots by mail during the last
general election cycle. Increasing numbers of people, particularly senior
citizens, are voting by mail, whether out of convenience or out of
necessity. 

In an attempt to guard against potential abuse of the increasingly popular
ballot-by-mail system, H.B. 2057 amends Chapter 84 (Application for
Ballot), Election Code, to prohibit an applicant from using an application
form that is neither printed nor stamped with the name and official title
of the early voting clerk as addressee and the official mailing address of
the clerk. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 84.001, Election Code, to prohibit an applicant
from using an application form that is neither printed nor stamped with the
name and official title of the early voting clerk as addressee and the
official mailing address of the clerk.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.