Texas Senate Bill SB1807

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/5/23
• Voted on by Senate: 4/19/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/11/23

Caption

Relating to the unlawful altering of election procedures; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

Upon the enactment of SB1807, it will amend the Texas Election Code to create stringent conditions under which election officials may modify procedures. The law aims to close loopholes that may have allowed alterations to election practices without proper authorization. This change is expected to have significant implications for election integrity and procedures in the state, as it explicitly prohibits unauthorized changes and sets forth clear penalties for noncompliance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1807 focuses on enhancing the enforcement of Texas election laws by imposing civil penalties on public officials and election officials who unlawfully alter election procedures. The bill requires the Secretary of State to investigate any reports of violations and to issue written orders for compliance. If officials do not comply within a specified timeframe, they may face penalties that start at $1,000 per day, increasing to $5,000 thereafter. This legislative measure is designed to strengthen accountability in the electoral process and ensure that existing laws are followed strictly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1807 appears to be largely supportive among conservative legislators and advocacy groups who argue that it is a necessary step to maintain the integrity of elections in Texas. Proponents argue that without the enforcement mechanisms created by this bill, election laws would remain ineffective. However, some dissenting voices express concern about the potential overreach of state authority into local election processes and the fairness of imposing penalties on individuals without adequate safeguards.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the fairness and implications of the civil penalties outlined in the bill. Critics argue that the rapid escalation of fines could disproportionately affect public officials, potentially leading to over-cautious behavior in election administration. Additionally, discussions were noted about who would bear the financial burden of these penalties, with proponents emphasizing that fines should be paid by the offending officials rather than the state or taxpayers.