The House Elections Committee met on March 25 to discuss a number of items; this report covers HB 2318 (Geren) and  HB 2640 (King, Tracy O). The video archive can be found here.

 

This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics the committee took up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the hearing but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.

 

HB 2318 (Geren) – Relating to the content and numbering of propositions on the ballot

  • In Tarrant County, there can be a Proposition A listed on the ballot & on the same ballot, there can be a Proposition A by the city of Fort Worth, which can confuse voters
  • Bill states that every proposition on the ballot has to be assigned a unique letter, A-Z
  • Fierro – Are you saying this is a common-sense bill?
    • I believe so

 

Dr. Laura Pressley, True Texas Elections – against

  • The bill says it is relating to the content and numbering of propositions; should be notated as “content and lettering” of propositions

 

Robert Golding, Rodeo Austin – for

  • We supported Travis County Proposition A; we spent most of that election explaining to the voters that this was not City Prop. A, but County Prop. A
  • Two separate propositions and matters, this would clean up language and clarify for voters

 

HB 2318 was left pending

 

HB 2640 (King, Tracy O) – Relating to authorizing certain political subdivisions to change the date on which their general election for officers is held

  • Bill would allow the general election for officers to be held in November instead of May
  • Window to change the election date has been allowed by the legislature several times in the past: 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2017
  • Filed at the request of Southwest Junior College, where it has become increasingly difficult and expensive to continue with May elections
  • Schofield – We have done this before, the concern is that citizens would not know when to vote. Changing the date to November is more cost effective and citizens are more likely to vote
    • It is expensive to hold elections in May; local county officials do not have an obligation to help pay for the elections in May, but are obligated in November
    • Would apply to any city that is not a county or municipal utility district, MUD
  • Beckley – Is this a local bill or statewide?
    • Statewide to any entity that is not a county or MUD
  • Clardy – I appreciate you making this statewide

 

Hilary Shine, City of Killeen – for

  • COVID showed us difference in May vs November turnout
  • When we moved the election to November for COVID, voter rates increased to 50% as opposed to the 1-8% turnout seen in May

 

HB 2640 was left pending