Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us). Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR	Sandoval		DATE TYPED	2/4/03		HB	503
SHORT TITLE		Election Amendment Reconciliation				SB
					ANALYST		Collard

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
			See Narrative

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Conflicts with HB 501

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Secretary of State

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 503 proposes to amend the Election Code to allow county clerks to open only the outer mailing envelope of absentee ballots three days prior to the election. The intent is to avoid excessive delays in processing absentee ballots on election day so tallies can be completed efficiently.

Significant Issues

The Secretary of State indicates this bill was passed by the Legislature last year and signed into law. However, the subsequent chaptering of a later election bill cancelled out its effect.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no significant fiscal implications associated with this bill.

CONFLICT

House Bill 503 conflicts with House Bill 501, which allows the inner envelope on absentee ballots to be opened by the precinct board five days prior to the election and registered on an optical scanning vote tabulator.

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