This section sets how the state pays estimated primary election expenses in installments and requires the secretary of state and comptroller to process the payments.
Sec. 173.083. STATE PAYMENT OF ESTIMATED PRIMARY EXPENSES. (a) The amount of estimated primary election expenses payable with state funds under this section is equal to: (1) for a general primary election, the difference obtained by subtracting the sum of the filing fees and contributions reported in the statement of estimated primary election expenses from the total amount of estimated general primary expenses approved by the secretary of state under Section 173.082; and (2) for a runoff primary election, the total amount of estimated runoff primary expenses approved by the secretary. (b) State payment of the estimated primary election expenses shall be made in installments as follows: (1) the initial installment for the expenses of a general primary is equal to three-fourths, or three-fifths if the secretary of state determines that figure to be more efficient, of the amount of estimated general primary expenses payable with state funds; (2) the initial installment for the expenses of a runoff primary is equal to three-fourths, or three-fifths if the secretary of state determines that figure to be more efficient, of the amount of estimated runoff primary expenses payable with state funds; and (3) the final installment is equal to the difference obtained by subtracting the total of the installments paid under Subdivisions (1) and (2) from the total of the actual general and runoff primary election expenses payable with state funds. (c) After determining the amount of estimated primary expenses to approve under Section 173.082 for a general or runoff primary, the secretary of state shall calculate the amount of the installment payable under Subsection (b)(1) or (2), as applicable. The secretary shall then prepare and deliver to the comptroller of public accounts a certified statement indicating the amount of the installment, the total amount of estimated general or runoff primary expenses payable with state funds, and the name of the county or state chair who submitted the statement of estimated primary election expenses. (d) The final installment may not be paid until a report is filed in compliance with Section 173.084 and, in the case of a county chair, a report is also filed in compliance with Section 172.124. On the filing of the report, the secretary of state shall calculate the amount of the final installment and prepare and deliver to the comptroller of public accounts a certified statement indicating that amount and the appropriate county or state chair's name. (e) On receipt of a certified statement under Subsection (c) or (d), the comptroller of public accounts shall issue a warrant in the certified amount of the installment payable to the county or state chair identified by the statement. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 54, Sec. 12(f), eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 114, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 168, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.