Texas House Bill HB1545

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/17/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Enrolled: 5/18/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain political subdivisions to change the date of their general elections.

Impact

The passage of HB1545 would have a significant impact on local governance by granting elected bodies more autonomy to select their election dates. This is particularly relevant for subdivisions that currently hold elections on dates other than the November uniform election date. By facilitating a shift to these uniform dates, it aims to enhance voter participation and streamline the electoral process across different jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 1545 relates to the authority of certain political subdivisions in Texas to change the dates on which they conduct their general elections. It seeks to amend specific provisions in the Election Code governing the scheduling of elections. The bill is designed to provide greater flexibility for these subdivisions, allowing them the ability to align their election dates with uniform election dates authorized by the state.

Contention

Although the bill presents potential benefits, it may also raise concerns regarding oversight and standardization of election processes. Critics could argue that allowing individual subdivisions to change election dates might lead to inconsistencies in electoral participation and could confuse voters who may not be aware of changes. Thus, while the bill aims to empower local governments, it may also lead to unintended consequences that could affect the electoral framework in the state.