Texas House Bill HB15

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to dates of certain elections to be held in 2022.

Impact

The bill's passage would directly influence the scheduling of elections in Texas by setting specific deadlines for candidate applications as well as defining crucial election dates such as the general primary election and runoff primary election dates. For instance, if a redistricting plan becomes law before certain cutoff dates, it dictates a clear timeline for when candidate applications must be filed and when the elections will take place. This adjustment is aimed at ensuring that the electoral process reflects the most current district compositions, promoting fairness and accuracy in the election outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 15 is a legislative proposal that focuses on the timeline for certain primary elections to be held in the state of Texas during the year 2022. The bill amends Subchapter A of Chapter 41 of the Texas Election Code by introducing a temporary provision that details specific dates for applications and election days tied to redistricting plans established by the 87th Legislature. The primary elections referenced include those for officers of state legislative, federal congressional districts, and the State Board of Education, effectively aligning the election timeline with the completion of redistricting processes following the 2020 census.

Contention

A potential area of contention surrounding HB 15 arises from the fact that it supersedes any conflicting statutes concerning primary elections, which could lead to disputes regarding election management and local grievances over last-minute changes to election protocols. By centering authority in the legislature to dictate these timelines, there may be concerns from various stakeholders regarding the sufficiency of notice given to candidates and the public about such changes. Additionally, as the provision is temporary and set to expire on January 1, 2023, this quick time frame could lead to rushed preparations for elections, prompting discussions around the administrative capacities of election officials.