Bill > HB989

This bill establishes a new process in the Texas Election Code for addressing potential election irregularities, allowing certain individuals like candidates, political party chairs, presiding judges, and political committee heads to request explanations from county clerks about specific election-related concerns. If a person is unsatisfied with the initial explanation, they can request an audit from the Secretary of State, who must investigate the matter within 30 days. The Secretary of State has the discretion to conduct a full audit or make a determination based on submitted evidence. If a violation of the election code is found, the Secretary can appoint a conservator to oversee elections in the relevant county precinct for two federal election cycles. The bill also imposes a civil penalty of $500 for each unaddressed violation, which the county must remedy within 30 days, with additional daily penalties if the violation remains unresolved. The Secretary of State is required to maintain and publish a public record of counties assessed such penalties, and the Attorney General can help recover unpaid penalties. The new provisions will apply only to elections held on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, providing a new mechanism for scrutinizing and addressing potential election irregularities at the county level.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB989