Texas House Bill HB184

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/21/11
• Voted on by House: 4/14/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 3/16/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/17/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/9/11
• Enrolled: 5/18/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the cancellation of a special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature.

Impact

The impact of this legislation is significant in terms of election administration and legislative efficiency. By eliminating the need for special elections when candidates are unopposed, the bill aims to reduce costs and streamline the election process. Moreover, this would enhance the efficiency of filling legislative vacancies, ensuring that the legislative body can operate more effectively without unnecessary delays caused by electoral procedures. The practical implications of HB184 may lead to a higher rate of unopposed candidates being recognized without the need for formal elections, which could create opportunities for quicker governance.

Summary

House Bill 184 aims to streamline the process for filling vacancies in the Texas Legislature by allowing the Secretary of State to declare an unopposed candidate elected without necessitating a special election. This bill amends Section 2.055 of the Election Code, outlining the conditions under which such a declaration can be made. Specifically, the bill states that if there is only one candidate for a legislative vacancy and no propositions are on the ballot, the Secretary of State is mandated to declare this candidate elected. This provision can be triggered by the withdrawal, death, or disqualification of a candidate, resulting in the remaining candidate being unopposed.

Contention

Although the bill is primarily aimed at simplifying the electoral process, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of declaring candidates elected without a formal election. Critics of similar measures often raise concerns about transparency and public engagement in the electoral process. The potential for perceived or actual disenfranchisement among voters who may feel that having a contested election, even for unopposed candidates, is vital for civic engagement and transparency. There may also be debates on whether this bill properly balances efficiency with the democratic principles of representation and competition.