Bill > HB4957

This bill modifies Texas law to require the Attorney General to prosecute certain election-related criminal offenses under specific circumstances. The bill establishes that when a law enforcement agency submits a report indicating probable cause for an election law violation to a local prosecuting attorney, they must simultaneously send a copy to the Attorney General. If six months pass after the report submission and the local prosecutor has not initiated proceedings, the Attorney General gains mandatory jurisdiction to prosecute the offense, changing previous language that merely gave the Attorney General discretionary power. The bill requires law enforcement agencies and local prosecutors to provide information to the Attorney General upon request to assist in these prosecutions. Additionally, the bill allows the Attorney General to direct county or district attorneys to prosecute or assist in prosecuting these election law offenses. These changes aim to strengthen enforcement of election laws by creating a clear pathway for prosecution when local authorities do not act. The new provisions will apply only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that existing cases are not retroactively affected.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4957