Bill > HB1004

This bill amends Texas law to expand the Attorney General's ability to prosecute certain criminal offenses, specifically those related to elections, specific health and safety issues, and certain penal code violations. Under the new provisions, if a law enforcement agency submits a report of probable cause to a local prosecutor and simultaneously provides a copy to the Attorney General, and if the local prosecutor does not initiate prosecution within six months, the Attorney General is now required (rather than merely authorized) to prosecute the offense. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies provide the Attorney General with copies of such reports and additional investigation information upon request. The changes modify existing language in the Election Code to shift the Attorney General's prosecution power from discretionary to mandatory for these specific types of criminal offenses. The new law will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that previously committed offenses are not retroactively affected by the new prosecutorial requirements.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1004