Bill > HB922

This bill modifies Texas election law by establishing more specific requirements for candidate residency and creating a new judicial process for challenging candidate eligibility. The bill defines residence for voting purposes as a place where a person has slept overnight, eaten, and kept personal belongings, and prohibits establishing a residence at a property while claiming a homestead exemption elsewhere. It amends candidate application requirements to include a statement about inhabiting their listed residence and disclosing any addresses with existing homestead exemptions. The bill introduces a new legal mechanism allowing registered voters to challenge a candidate's eligibility through a specialized judicial process, which includes specific timelines for filing challenges and holding hearings for primary, general, and special elections. Candidates can be challenged on eligibility grounds up to 30 days before an election, with provisions for expedited discovery and sworn petitions. The changes apply to elections held on or after the bill's effective date of December 1, 2026, and aim to provide more clarity and transparency in the candidate qualification process by establishing precise residency standards and a structured method for addressing potential eligibility disputes.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB922