Bill

HB 3065

83(R) - 2013
Elections

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Jose Menendez

Bill Caption

Relating to payment of funds by the secretary of state for the cost of primary elections.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 3065 would take the brackets off of an act that was passed in 2011. The legislation allowed for a county elections officer to request that the Secretary of State send primary elections funds directly to the county, not the county’s party office. This legislation was designed to prevent mishandling or other fraudulent actions relating to the money.

Analysis: There is already a fiduciary duty associated with the funds. Mishandling of the funds is already illegal. Further, this could put the parties in the position of having to get money to run a primary election from a county judge of the opposite party. Existing laws already protect against fraud, and in cases where fraud is perpetrated the law can be enforced. This legislation will put minority parties at an even greater disadvantage in counties that skew heavily toward the other party. We oppose this legislation.