Texas House Bill HB3451

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the election of directors of certain electric cooperatives.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3451 would amend the Texas Utilities Code to define new election procedures for large electric cooperatives. The requirement for single-member districts is aimed at addressing concerns about adequate representation for members who might have previously felt underrepresented on a statewide board. Additionally, the bill establishes that elections must take place in November of odd-numbered years, thereby creating a more structured election timeline for these cooperatives.

Summary

House Bill 3451 focuses on the election of directors for certain electric cooperatives in Texas, specifically those with over 200,000 members located in counties with a population of between one and one and a half million. The bill mandates that directors be elected only by district, ensuring that each director represents a geographic area with roughly equal numbers of members. This provision is designed to enhance local representation on the cooperative's board by aligning directors more closely with the interests of members from specific districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3451 may include discussions regarding the potential administrative burden on cooperatives to create and maintain these districts. There may also be debate over whether district representation truly enhances member engagement or if it complicates governance by fostering divisions within the cooperative's membership base. The bill’s stipulation for runoff elections in case no candidate receives the required majority could further complicate and prolong the election process, which may spark concerns about unnecessary delays and costs associated with maintaining democratic processes within the cooperatives.