According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 1033 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state. The bill’s implementation would primarily involve changes to the procedural rules governing runoff primary elections, specifically extending the withdrawal deadline and modifying the process for replacing withdrawn candidates. Since these changes do not require additional resources or administrative structures, any costs associated with the bill are expected to be absorbed within existing state resources.

For local governments, the fiscal impact is also minimal or negligible. The bill's provision to automatically declare the remaining candidate as the party nominee if their opponent withdraws after the deadline could reduce the number of runoff elections held, potentially leading to cost savings for county election offices that would otherwise need to administer those elections. However, because such withdrawals are likely to be infrequent, the overall financial effect on local governments is expected to be insignificant.

In summary, SB 1033 does not introduce new spending obligations or require additional state funding, and any potential cost savings for local election administrators would be marginal and dependent on the frequency of candidate withdrawals.

SB 1033 provides a necessary update to Texas election law by clarifying the procedure when a candidate withdraws from a runoff primary election. Under current law, if a candidate withdraws, the remaining candidate is automatically declared the winner, even if a third-place candidate from the primary could have competed in the runoff. SB 1033 resolves this issue by allowing the third-place candidate to take the withdrawn candidate’s place, provided the withdrawal occurs within five days after the state canvass. If a withdrawal happens after this period, the remaining candidate is declared the nominee, eliminating the need for an unnecessary runoff election​.

This bill upholds limited government by streamlining election processes and reducing unnecessary runoff elections, thereby saving taxpayer money on election administration. It also reinforces personal responsibility, ensuring candidates make timely and informed decisions about their participation in runoff elections. While the impact on individual liberty and private property rights is neutral, SB 1033 aligns with free enterprise principles by promoting efficient governance and reducing bureaucratic redundancies.

Given its benefits in enhancing election efficiency while maintaining fairness, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 1033. It ensures that runoff elections serve their intended purpose without unnecessary administrative costs, promoting a more accountable and transparent electoral system in Texas.

• HB 3164 (Similar To)