Bill

HB 3055

85(R) - 2017
House Elections
Senate State Affairs
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Elections
Senate State Affairs
Elections

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive

Author(s)

Ryan Guillen

Sponsor(s)

Eddie Lucio Jr.

Bill Caption

Relating to restrictions on political activities for county elections administrators.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would exempt county elections administrators in counties with less than 1,000 people from certain prohibited political activities. This would allow affected county elections administrators to run for or hold elected office if the office is not in the county for which the administrator has jurisdiction and any election for that office is a nonpartisan election. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

The purpose for the prohibition on county election administrators running for or holding elected office is obviously to eliminate potential conflicts of interest which could lead to abuse of power. In small counties with fewer people available to administer elections and hold office it makes sense from an administrative standpoint to make an exception that is carefully crafted to still prevent a conflict of interest. This bill does that. The bill also furthers individual liberty by allowing affected county elections administrators to engage in political activities that they otherwise would not be able to. We support HB 3055.