HBA-JEK H.B. 2303 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2303 By: Madden Elections 3/13/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 2000 presidential election has prompted substantial concerns about current balloting methods and voting equipment utilized in this state. House Bill 2303 requires the secretary of state to study voting technologies in Texas and make recommendations for possible changes. 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. ANALYSIS House Bill 2303 sets forth law to require the secretary of state to investigate, study, and evaluate the potential for effective implementation of the most current available voting technologies. The bill requires the secretary of state to issue a report no later than December 1, 2001 containing the findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation resulting from the study to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.