Texas House Bill HB2060

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Introduced: 3/2/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/8/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information regarding state election inspectors.

Impact

With the implementation of HB2060, transparency in the election process will be balanced with the need for security and confidentiality regarding the individuals involved in overseeing the elections. This bill is expected to foster a secure environment for election inspectors, enabling them to perform their duties without fear of external pressure or threats based on their public identification. As such, this measure reinforces public trust in the electoral system by safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 2060 addresses the confidentiality of certain information related to state election inspectors in Texas. The bill amends existing sections of the Texas Election Code to protect the privacy of state inspectors by making their appointment and the information regarding their inspection sites confidential until the day after election day. This change aims to enhance the security measures surrounding the election process and to prevent any potential interference or intimidation that could arise if such information were publicly accessible.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its security-focused approach, there may be concerns regarding the implications for transparency and public oversight. Opponents may argue that increased confidentiality could lead to a lack of accountability for election inspectors, potentially allowing for unchecked authority. Balancing the requirement for security with the principles of public accountability will be a significant point of discussion as the bill advances through the legislative process.