Bill > HB5115

This bill amends the Texas Election Code to expand and increase criminal penalties for election fraud. The bill broadens the definition of election fraud to include additional prohibited actions, such as knowingly counting invalid votes, altering vote reports, or refusing to count valid votes. The legislation escalates the severity of penalties for such offenses: a basic election fraud violation is now classified as a second-degree felony (previously a Class A misdemeanor), while offenses committed by elected officials are elevated to a first-degree felony (previously a state jail felony). Attempted election fraud is now considered a third-degree felony (previously a Class B misdemeanor). The bill also repeals two existing sections of the Election Code and specifies that these changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. By increasing the criminal penalties and expanding the definition of election fraud, the bill aims to strengthen protections against electoral manipulation and ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5115