Texas House Bill HB2552

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of state's Internet website a database of certain election information collected from authorities responsible for giving notice of an election.

Impact

The implementation of HB2552 is expected to significantly impact state laws related to electoral transparency and public access to information. By centralizing pertinent election details in an online database, voters, candidates, and civic organizations will have better access to information about election procedures and timelines. This is likely to enhance informed voting and potentially increase voter turnout, as individuals will have the means to understand when and how they can participate in elections. Furthermore, the ability for the secretary of state to accept gifts and donations for the database's maintenance could provide necessary financial support for its ongoing operation.

Summary

House Bill 2552 mandates the creation and maintenance of a public internet database by the secretary of state, which will contain essential election information collected from various authorities responsible for election notices. The purpose of this database is to enhance transparency in the electoral process by allowing the public to access crucial details about upcoming elections, including the names of the authorities, the offices up for election, the method of election (at large or by district), and the dates of previous and future elections. This move is anticipated to foster greater public engagement and awareness regarding electoral processes in Texas.

Contention

While supporters of HB2552 argue that the bill promotes transparency and public engagement in the electoral process, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and the security of the information made available online. Some critics might argue that the collection and public display of such information could expose vulnerabilities in the electoral system or lead to misuse of the data by malicious actors. Moreover, the provisions allowing for private funding to support the database could raise questions about the potential influence of donors on election-related information and practices.