Bill

HB 2503

83(R) - 2013
Elections

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Dwayne Bohac

Bill Caption

Relating to the territory that may be included in a single county election precinct.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary:

Under the current Texas Elections Code, counties must follow certain guidelines for dividing precincts. Precincts may only have one type of school board position, justice of the peace etc on the the ballot. HB 2503 would adjust this code so that more precincts can be combined. This would allow the local government to have more flexibility in assigning precincts and allocating resources. 

Analysis:

TPPA is in favor of the limited government implications of this bill. Counties, not the state, should have more power in handling situations such as polling locations and precincts. HB 2503 would allow a county to combine precincts if necessary, in order to ensure that all polling locations can be staffed sufficiently to serve the public on election day. However, this bill may lead to changes that could negatively affect some voters as they may now have to travel farther to find a polling location. TPPA recommends a yes vote on HB 2503.