Bill Text: TX HB2859 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of state's Internet website databases containing certain information about elections.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-05-12 - Placed on General State Calendar [HB2859 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB2859-Introduced.html

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87R10242 SLB-D
By: Bucy H.B. No. 2859

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of
state's Internet website databases containing certain information
about elections.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 4.003(e), Election Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(e) The authority responsible for giving notice of the
election shall deliver to the secretary of state:
(1) a copy of the notice of a consolidated precinct
required by Subsection (b) not later than the date of the election;
and
(2) information for the secretary of state's database
of election information under Section 31.017 in an electronic
format required by the secretary of state.
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 31, Election Code, is
amended by adding Sections 31.017 and 31.018 to read as follows:
Sec. 31.017. INTERNET DATABASE OF ELECTION INFORMATION.
(a) The secretary of state shall post on the secretary of state's
public Internet website a database containing information provided
by each authority responsible for giving notice of an election in
this state. The database must include the following information:
(1) the name of the authority;
(2) each office to be filled at the election;
(3) whether the office is elected at large or by
district; and
(4) the dates of the preceding and next election for
the office.
(b) The secretary of state:
(1) may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations from any public or private source for the creation and
maintenance of the database; and
(2) shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this
section.
Sec. 31.018. INTERNET DATABASE FOR INCUMBENTS AND
CANDIDATES. (a) The secretary of state shall post on the secretary
of state's Internet website a database containing information about
each holder of and candidate for any elected office in this state.
(b) The database must include the following information
about a holder of an elected office:
(1) name;
(2) office title, including any district, place, or
position;
(3) if the office is elected at large or by district;
(4) date of the previous and next election for the
office;
(5) public mailing address;
(6) public telephone number, if available; and
(7) public e-mail address, if available.
(c) The database must include the following information
about a candidate for an elected office:
(1) name;
(2) office sought, including any district, place, or
position;
(3) if the office is elected at large or by district;
(4) date of the election;
(5) public mailing address;
(6) public telephone number, if available;
(7) public e-mail address, if available;
(8) name of the incumbent; and
(9) if the candidate has filed as a write-in
candidate.
(d) The authority with whom a declaration of candidacy is
filed, a state chair of a political party, or the presiding officer
of a political party's convention shall provide information about a
candidate or officeholder to the secretary of state.
(e) The secretary of state may prescribe any procedures
necessary to implement this section.
SECTION 3. Section 52.003, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(d) A candidate's name may not be printed on the ballot
until the candidate's name appears on the secretary of state's
Internet website as a candidate for elected office under Section
31.018.
SECTION 4. Section 141.032, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (h) to read as follows:
(h) The authority with whom the application is filed shall
provide the secretary of state with the candidate's information
required for the secretary of state's Internet website under
Section 31.018.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.