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.