Bill Caption

Relating to supervision of the conduct of a primary election; creating a criminal offense. 

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

In statute it is prohibited for a county election officer to prevent a county chair or a county chair's designee from supervising the conduct of a primary election, including the tabulation of results, however there is no statutory enforcement mechanism in the event that a county election officer interferes with the duties of a county chair in supervision the conduct of a primary election. This legislation would place an enforcement mechanism in place by making such interference a Class B misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Protecting the integrity of elections is a critical responsibility of government, therefore providing an enforcement mechanism to prevent a county election officer from interfering in the primary election process supports the idea of limited government. This bill could be improved by making a first time offense a Class C misdemeanor or imposing a civil rather than criminal penalty.