Texas House Bill HB3285

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to expenditures by the secretary of state on general election voter education programs.

Impact

If enacted, HB3285 would introduce a structured reporting requirement for the Secretary of State, thereby potentially improving the effectiveness and transparency of expenditure on voter education. This could encourage better resource allocation and inform future strategies for voter outreach, as data would be analyzed to determine reach and effectiveness among different community demographics. The requirement for detailed reporting could also lead to increased public trust in the election process as funding becomes more accountable.

Summary

House Bill 3285 proposes amendments to the Election Code of Texas that require the Secretary of State to report on expenditures related to general election voter education programs. The bill mandates that the report includes detailed information on various aspects of spending, such as the total amount, vendor payments, advertising details, and the demographics targeted through educational efforts. The aim of this legislation is to enhance accountability and transparency in how funds are allocated for voter education initiatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB3285 may arise from concerns about the administrative burden placed on the Secretary of State's office and the potential pushback from vendors who may need to comply with stringent reporting requirements. Some stakeholders could argue that the bill does not adequately address the complexity and varied nature of voter education needs across different communities, potentially limiting the scope of outreach efforts. Additionally, the requirement to publicly disclose certain expenditures might lead to debates regarding privacy and the competitive nature of vendors in the election services market.