Texas House Bill HB2101

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/1/09
• Voted on by House: 4/9/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/8/09
• Governor Action: 5/20/09
• Enrolled: 5/11/09
• Passed: 5/20/09

Caption

Relating to the place for the convening of a county convention.

Impact

The impact of HB 2101 on state laws is primarily seen in the changes to procedures involving county conventions. By enabling conventions to be held outside their respective counties when necessary, the bill aligns with the practical needs of political parties in Texas. This could enhance participation and engagement in the political process, especially when hosting events in under-resourced or sparsely populated counties where venue constraints may arise.

Summary

House Bill 2101 proposes an amendment to the Election Code, specifically Section 174.062, to provide greater flexibility for the convening of county conventions by political parties. The bill allows a county executive committee to hold its convention outside of the county if they determine that no suitable location is available within the county. This change is intended to facilitate the organization of county conventions, ensuring that political parties can effectively conduct their activities even in cases where local venue options are limited.

Contention

Despite the bill's seemingly straightforward intent, it could lead to discussions about local governance and the autonomy of county parties. Allowing conventions to be held outside of the county may raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding representation and accessibility for local party members. The balancing act between state regulations and local determinations could become a point of contention, particularly in politically diverse regions.

Notable_points

It is noteworthy that the bill places the control of convention location decision-making squarely in the hands of county executive committees, requiring them to formally apply to their state counterparts for permission to hold conventions elsewhere. This procedural step underscores the importance of local party structures, while also introducing a layer of oversight from the state level that may be viewed positively or negatively depending on the perspectives of different political factions.