Bill > HB1661

This bill modifies the Texas Election Code to strengthen requirements and penalties related to election supplies and voting procedures. It mandates that election authorities must provide each precinct with ballots equal to at least the percentage of voters who voted in the most recent corresponding election plus 25%, with a caveat that the number of ballots cannot exceed the total number of registered voters (except in counties participating in the countywide polling place program). The bill introduces new criminal offenses for election authorities who intentionally fail to provide the required number of ballots or who do not promptly supplement distributed ballots when requested. Additionally, the legislation increases the severity of several existing misdemeanor offenses, upgrading some from Class C to Class A misdemeanors and one offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony. The changes in criminal penalties will only apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. The bill aims to ensure adequate ballot availability and impose stricter accountability on election officials.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1661