Bill > HB968

This bill establishes a new process for addressing potential election irregularities in Texas by creating a multi-step procedure for requesting explanations and conducting investigations. Specifically, certain individuals like candidates, political party county chairs, presiding judges, and political committee heads can request written explanations from county clerks about potential election code violations, irregularities in precinct results, or documentation issues. If the requestor is unsatisfied with the county clerk's initial response, they can request further explanation, and ultimately petition the Secretary of State to conduct an audit. The Secretary of State must then investigate the matter within 30 days, and if violations are found, can assess a $500 civil penalty against the county clerk for each unaddressed violation. The bill requires the Secretary of State to maintain and publish a public record of county clerks assessed such penalties, and allows the Attorney General to recover unpaid penalties. Any collected penalties will be deposited into the state's general revenue fund. The new procedures 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 administration problems.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB968