PART 4. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
CHAPTER 81. ELECTIONS
SUBCHAPTER A. VOTER REGISTRATION
1 TAC §§81.13, 81.15, 81.23, 81.25
The Office of the Secretary of State (Office) adopts amendments to 1 TAC §§81.13, 81.15, 81.23, and 81.25 concerning disbursement of funds under Chapter 19 of the Texas Election Code. These rules designate which goods and services are reimbursable with Chapter 19 funds and outline the procedures that county voter registrars must follow to obtain such reimbursement.
The Office adopts the amendments to §§81.13, 81.15, 81.23, and 81.25 without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 17, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 6665). These rules will not be republished.
No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.
The amended rules are authorized by Texas Election Code §§19.002(b), 19.004, and 31.003. Texas Election Code §19.002(b) authorizes the Office to prescribe procedures relating to the disbursement of Chapter 19 funds. Texas Election Code §19.004 authorizes the Office to implement provisions related to disbursing state funds to defray expenses of the voter registrar's office in connection with voter registration. Texas Election Code §31.003 directs the Office to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation, and interpretation of the Texas Election Code and other election laws, including through the preparation of detailed and comprehensive written directives and instructions relating to and based on such laws.
The amended rules implement Chapter 19 of the Texas Election Code. No other statute, code, or article is affected by the amended rules.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 28, 2023.
TRD-202304997
Adam Bitter
General Counsel
Office of the Secretary of State
Effective date: January 17, 2024
Proposal publication date: November 17, 2023
For further information, please call: (512) 463-5650
1 TAC §§81.101, 81.107, 81.116, 81.120
The Office of the Secretary of State (Office) adopts amendments to 1 TAC §§81.101, 81.107, 81.116, and 81.120. The amendments concern the financing of primary elections with state funds, including the determination of necessary and appropriate expenses relating to the proper conduct of primary elections by party officials and procedures for requesting reimbursement by the parties for such expenses.
The Office adopts the amendments to §§81.101, 81.107, 81.116, and 81.120 without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 17, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 6667). These rules will not be republished.
No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.
The amended rules are authorized by Texas Election Code §§31.003 and 173.006. Texas Election Code §31.003 directs the Office to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation, and interpretation of the Texas Election Code and other election laws, including through the preparation of detailed and comprehensive written directives and instructions relating to and based on such laws. Texas Election Code §173.006 authorizes the Office to adopt rules to reduce the cost of primary elections or facilitate the holding of primary elections within the amount appropriated by the legislature for that purpose. Texas Election Code §§172.117, 172.122, and 172.128 of the Texas Election Code also provide the Office with rulemaking authority relating to the conduct of primary elections.
The amended rules implement Chapters 172 and 173 of the Texas Election Code. No other statute, code, or article is affected by the amended rules.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 28, 2023.
TRD-202304998
Adam Bitter
General Counsel
Office of the Secretary of State
Effective date: January 17, 2024
Proposal publication date: November 17, 2023
For further information, please call: (512) 463-5650