Texas House Bill HB3061

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the use of state voter registration funds to employ temporary staff in a voter registrar's office.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3061 is set to provide greater flexibility in how state voter registration funds are utilized. By enabling the hiring of temporary staff for a limited period, the bill seeks to address potential backlogs and improve the efficiency of the voter registration system. The allowance for temporary personnel may lead to quicker processing times and enhanced service for citizens looking to register to vote, ultimately contributing to more effective election administration.

Summary

House Bill 3061 focuses on the effective use of state funds for voter registration purposes. The bill amends Section 19.004(a) of the Election Code to allow state funds designated for voter registration to be used not only for expenses related to compliance with federal law but also for the employment of temporary personnel in the registrar's office. This aims to bolster the operational capacity of the voter registration process, particularly during peak periods when higher staff levels may be required.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to streamline voter registration processes, there may be points of contention regarding the management of these temporary staff positions and the training provided. Critics may question whether employing temporary staff can maintain the necessary standards of accuracy and quality in voter registration, which is crucial for fair elections. Furthermore, discussions might arise around the adequacy of state funding to meet the increased staffing levels effectively, and whether this aligns with overall goals for election security and integrity.