HBA-JEK H.B. 582 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 582
By: Denny
Elections
2/25/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law requires candidates for statewide office, state legislative
office, the State Board of Education, a district office filled by voters of
more than one county, or a judicial district office filled by voters of
only one county to file a political contributions and expenditures report
with the Texas Ethics Commission. House Bill 582 extends this reporting
requirement to candidates for a county office or the office of county
commissioner in counties with a population of 500,000 or more. 

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 582 amends the Election Code to provide that an individual who
is a candidate for a county office or the office of county commissioner in
a county with a population of 500,000 or more must file a campaign
treasurer appointment with the Texas Ethics Commission (commission).  A
person who, on September 1, 2001, is a candidate for an office as described
in the bill, a specific-purpose committee supporting or opposing such a
candidate, or a specific-purpose committee assisting such a candidate as
officeholder is required to file a campaign treasurer appointment with the
commission no later than September 15, 2001.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.  The Act applies only to the filing of a report of
political contributions and expenditures that is due on or after January
15, 2002.