HBA-NMO, GUM H.B. 3257 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3257 By: Homer Elections 9/30/1999 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prior to the 76th Legislature, the City of Ravenna, Fannin County, requested authorization to change its current general election date from the November to the new municipal general election date which is the first Saturday in May. The city argued that the change would allow it to comply with the statesuggested election pattern for municipalities as well as provide potential savings by enabling the city to hold joint elections with the local school district. H.B. 3257 extends from December 31, 1997 to December 31, 1999, the last date by which the governing body of a political subdivision other than a county may change the date of its general election, and provides that an election on the new date cannot be held before 2000, rather than 1998. 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 41.0052(a), Election Code, to extend from December 1, 1997 to December 1, 1999 the last date by which the governing body of a political subdivision other than a county may change the date on which it holds its general election for officers. Provides that an election on the new date cannot be held before 2000, rather than 1998. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.