Bill > HB5029

This bill modifies the process for manually counting electronic voting system ballots in Texas elections by expanding and making the selection and counting procedures more transparent. It requires the general custodian of election records to manually count at least 10 percent of precincts or 10 precincts (whichever is greater), focusing on contested races and propositions across federal, state, county, and local elections. The bill mandates that the selection of precincts and races to be manually counted must be publicly announced at least 48 hours in advance and conducted in a public setting with live video and audio streaming. Additionally, the secretary of state must now select at least 10 contested races and 10 propositions for manual counting, or all races and propositions if fewer than 10 exist. The selection of precincts and races must be completed by 5 p.m. the day after the election. These new requirements aim to increase transparency and public confidence in the election counting process by allowing broader public observation and participation. The changes will apply to elections ordered on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5029