Sec. 1027.052. CHANGE IN ELECTION FORMAT. (a) On its own initiative or on receipt of a petition signed by a number of district residents equal to at least 10 percent of the district's registered voters, the board by order shall seek input from district residents to determine whether to change the method of electing directors under this chapter to one of the following methods:

(1) four single-member districts and one at-large member;

(2) five single-member districts;

(3) four single-member districts, with each district coextensive with a county commissioner's precinct, and one at-large member; or

(4) cumulative voting.

(b) Not later than the 30th day after the date the board enters the order, the board shall establish an advisory committee composed of district residents to advise and assist the board in making the determination required by Subsection (a). Committee members must represent all segments of the district's population.

(c) Not later than the 60th day after the date the advisory committee is established, the committee shall hold a public hearing regarding the proposed change in the election format. Not later than the 30th day after the date the public hearing is held, the committee shall submit a recommendation to the board that includes comments and concerns raised by district residents regarding any proposed change in the election format.

(d) After reviewing the advisory committee recommendation, the board may adopt an order changing the method by which directors are elected.

(e) A change in the election format adopted by the board under this section shall be implemented at the next general directors' election for which the change can be implemented consistently with the Election Code and federal law.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 920 (H.B. 3166), Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.