Texas Senate Bill SB564

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/16/11
• Introduced: 2/8/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/31/11
• Refer: 2/17/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/12/11
• Report Pass: 3/16/11
• Voted on by House: 5/13/11
• Engrossed: 3/31/11
• Governor Action: 5/28/11
• Refer: 4/4/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11
• Enrolled: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the election of members of the board of directors of the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District.

Impact

By altering the timing of director elections within the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District, SB564 intends to streamline the electoral process, ensuring that elections coincide with other significant electoral events. This could enhance civic engagement as residents are more likely to vote when they can partake in multiple elections simultaneously. The bill also seeks to validate any governmental acts already taken regarding elections by the district before the bill's effective date, providing a legal safeguard for the district's operational continuity.

Summary

SB564 is a legislative measure aimed at amending the election procedures for the board of directors of the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District. The bill proposes to change the election schedule to align with the uniform election date in November, moving away from the previously established date of the first Saturday in May. This adjustment reflects a broader trend in legislative reforms aimed at synchronizing local elections with state and federal electoral timelines, potentially increasing voter participation by consolidating election dates.

Contention

Although SB564 appears largely procedural, the implications of changing election dates could be a point of discussion among stakeholders. Concerns may arise about potential impacts on local governance and whether the new election timeline serves the community's interests effectively. Some district members and community advocates could argue that predefined election times, such as May, allow for more localized attention and participation, while others might support the synchronizing efforts for broader electoral engagement.