Bill > HB3517

This bill modifies the Texas Election Code's section on unlawfully publishing a vote by expanding and clarifying the definition of publishing a vote without consent. The bill introduces detailed definitions of "effective consent" and "publish", specifying that consent is not valid if it is induced by force, fraud, given by someone unauthorized, or given by someone unable to make reasonable decisions. The legislation changes the language from "divulging" to "publishing" and broadens the scope of the offense, making it illegal to knowingly publish how a voter has voted without their effective consent. The offense remains a third-degree felony, but now includes specific exceptions for publishing voting information during official investigations, administrative, executive, legislative, or judicial proceedings where the information is relevant. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, with previous offenses governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3517