HBA-BSM H.B. 555 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 555
By: Mowery
Judicial Affairs
2/21/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Because judicial candidates are on the same ballot as all other candidates
for election, their political fate is often determined by straight-party
voting for statewide officials rather than on the merit of their own
positions.  Texas judges are subject to ethical rules that may prevent them
from fully participating in the political process.  As a result, a
candidate is often unable to present his or her merits to the public, which
may make it difficult for voters to become properly informed about the
judicial candidates.  House Bill 555 eliminates straight-party voting in
connection with certain judicial races.    

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 555 amends the Election Code to provide that nominees for
judicial offices are not eligible for straight-party voting.  The bill
provides for the modification of election ballots  for statewide and
judicial officials to accommodate the prohibition against straight-party
voting for  judicial officials (Secs. 52.065, 52.066, 52.0661, and
124.0031).  The bill requires the secretary of state to prescribe any
procedures or instructions necessary to implement these provisions (Sec.
52.0661). 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.