BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2382 89R7787 JDK-D By: Bettencourt State Affairs 4/11/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Concerns have been raised about off-line counties and the ability of the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) to work with those systems to ensure timely and up-to-date voter rolls. S.B. 2382 simply requires counties in the state to contract with SOS to use the statewide computerized voter registration list. This change will ensure that SOS can work with counties throughout the state to ensure timely and up-to-date voter rolls. As proposed, S.B. 2382 amends current law relating to requiring county use of the statewide computerized voter registration list. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 18.012, Election Code, to read as follows: Sec. 18.012. REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPUTER SERVICES CONTRACTS. SECTION 2. Amends Section 18.012, Election Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d), as follows: (a) Deletes existing text prohibiting a county from contracting with a computer service company or other private business entity for services related to the lists required under Subchapter A (Registration Lists) unless the programs, equipment, or other materials to be covered by the contract are approved by the secretary of state (SOS). Deletes existing text authorizing SOS to rescind approval of the programs, equipment, or other materials at any time, and on that action the contract is nullified to the extent that it depends on the disapproved items. (d) Requires a county to contract with SOS to use the statewide computerized voter registration list developed under Subchapter C (Statewide Voter Registration List) for services related to the lists required under this subchapter. SECTION 3. Repealers: Sections 18.012(b) (relating to prohibiting a computer service company or other business entity from using certain modified materials under a contract with a county unless approved by SOS) and 18.012(c) (relating to providing that violation of Section 18.012(b) is a Class A misdemeanor), Election Code. SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2382
89R7787 JDK-D By: Bettencourt
State Affairs
4/11/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2382
89R7787 JDK-D
By: Bettencourt
State Affairs
4/11/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Concerns have been raised about off-line counties and the ability of the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) to work with those systems to ensure timely and up-to-date voter rolls. S.B. 2382 simply requires counties in the state to contract with SOS to use the statewide computerized voter registration list. This change will ensure that SOS can work with counties throughout the state to ensure timely and up-to-date voter rolls.
As proposed, S.B. 2382 amends current law relating to requiring county use of the statewide computerized voter registration list.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 18.012, Election Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 18.012. REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPUTER SERVICES CONTRACTS.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 18.012, Election Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d), as follows:
(a) Deletes existing text prohibiting a county from contracting with a computer service company or other private business entity for services related to the lists required under Subchapter A (Registration Lists) unless the programs, equipment, or other materials to be covered by the contract are approved by the secretary of state (SOS). Deletes existing text authorizing SOS to rescind approval of the programs, equipment, or other materials at any time, and on that action the contract is nullified to the extent that it depends on the disapproved items.
(d) Requires a county to contract with SOS to use the statewide computerized voter registration list developed under Subchapter C (Statewide Voter Registration List) for services related to the lists required under this subchapter.
SECTION 3. Repealers: Sections 18.012(b) (relating to prohibiting a computer service company or other business entity from using certain modified materials under a contract with a county unless approved by SOS) and 18.012(c) (relating to providing that violation of Section 18.012(b) is a Class A misdemeanor), Election Code.
SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2025.