Bill > HB1002

This bill modifies several provisions of the Texas Election Code related to the handling, tracking, and preservation of election records with increased transparency and security measures. The bill extends the mandatory preservation period for precinct election records from 22 to 36 months and introduces several new requirements for managing election materials. These include mandating detailed tracking of ballot serial numbers, requiring ballot boxes and containers to be segregated and marked by precinct, and creating new documentation protocols such as logging seal numbers to ensure chain of custody. The bill also introduces new public disclosure requirements, such as creating and publishing an index of voted ballots on county websites and posting ballot images online within five days of an election. When opening ballot boxes for any reason, the bill now requires two witnesses to sign a sworn statement confirming the details of any record removal. Additionally, the bill specifies that provisional ballots must be handled with more precise tracking, including separate envelopes for rejected and accepted ballots, and more specific labeling and storage procedures. These changes aim to enhance the transparency, security, and accountability of election record management in Texas.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1002