TexasAttorney general handles prosecution of state election-law crimes
For election-law crimes committed after its effective date, the measure would give the attorney general prosecution authority and require cooperation from local officials.
What it does
The attorney general would handle prosecution of criminal offenses under the Texas Election Code and represent the state in those cases.
Law enforcement would report probable-cause findings and share requested investigation information, while local prosecutors could be directed to prosecute or assist.
Argument forShared reports and investigation information could help the attorney general coordinate election-crime cases with local law enforcement and prosecutors.
Argument againstGiving the attorney general prosecution authority and access to local investigations could reduce local prosecutors' control over election-crime cases.
More detail
The attorney general would have authority to prosecute election-law crimes and would represent the state in those cases. This covers criminal offenses under the Texas Election Code. This authority would apply despite other laws that might otherwise govern prosecution. The attorney general's role would operate under the new prosecution subchapter. The provision would apply to offenses committed on or after the Act's effective date; offenses with any element occurring earlier would remain governed by prior law.
Law enforcement agencies would send probable-cause reports to the attorney general, and local prosecutors or law enforcement would provide requested investigation information. The duties cover reports identifying a person believed to have committed an Election Code crime and information about those investigations. The attorney general may appear before a grand jury for an offense the attorney general is authorized to prosecute. The attorney general may direct the county or district attorney to prosecute an authorized offense or assist in the prosecution. These provisions would apply to offenses committed on or after the Act's effective date; prior offenses would remain under the law in effect when committed.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Sep 19Effective on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Latest
- Sep 19Signed by the Governor Greg AbbottBecame Law
- Aug 28Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- Aug 28Signed in the HouseMajor
- Aug 27Signed in the SenateMajor
- Aug 26Reported enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded adoption of amendment. Result: fail.Lower
- Vote recorded passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 26House passage reportedMajor
- Aug 26Reason for vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 26Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 26Record vote
- Aug 26PassedPassed House
- Aug 26Read 3rd timeMinor
- Aug 26Record vote
- Aug 26Passed to 3rd reading
- Aug 26Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 26Record vote
- Aug 26Amendment fails of adoptionMinor
- Aug 26Point of order withdrawnMajor
- Aug 26Read 2nd timeMinor
- Aug 26Laid out in lieu of companion
- Aug 26Committee report sent to Calendars
- Aug 26Committee report distributed
- Aug 26Comte report filed with Committee CoordinatorMinor
- Aug 26Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)Minor
- Aug 26Considered in formal meeting
- Aug 20Referred to State AffairsMinor
- Aug 20Read first timeMinor
- Aug 20Received from the SenateMinor
- Aug 19Reported engrossed
- Vote recorded final passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 19Reason for vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 19Record vote
- Aug 19PassedPassed Senate
- Aug 19Read 3rd timeMinor
- Aug 19Laid before the SenateMinor
- Aug 18Record vote
- Vote recorded passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded passage to engrossment. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 18Read 2nd time & passed to engrossmentMinor
- Aug 18Record vote
- Aug 18Rules suspended-Regular order of business
- Aug 18Co-author authorized
- Aug 15Committee report printed and distributed
- Aug 15Reported favorably w/o amendmentsMinor
- Aug 15Vote taken in committee
- Aug 15Testimony taken in committee
- Aug 15Considered in public hearing
- Aug 15Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
- Aug 15Record vote
- Aug 15Posting rule suspended
- Aug 15Referred to State AffairsMinor
- Aug 15Read first timeMinor
- Aug 15FiledMinor
- Aug 15Received by the Secretary of the SenateIntroduced
Civil Rights & VotingCriminal JusticeGovernment & Ethics