Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2498

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the conduct and administration of elections; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The proposed changes will impose a civil penalty of $1,000 for each day that counties fail to comply with the new rule about livestreaming video surveillance of ballot processing areas. This enforcement mechanism is intended to promote accountability among election officials, aiming to ensure that all actions taken during the election process are transparent and accessible to the public. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of proper documentation related to ballots, including chain of custody records, which will bolster the integrity of election practices in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2498 introduces several amendments to the Texas Election Code, primarily targeting the administration and conduct of elections. The bill mandates that if a county assigns county certification numbers to voters, it can no longer assign more than one such number to each voter. This is aimed at streamlining voter identification and ensuring accuracy in the registration process. Additionally, the bill requires a written confirmation notice to be sent to voters who have multiple county certification numbers, ensuring transparency and proper communication between registrars and voters.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 2498 show a predominantly positive sentiment among proponents who argue that the bill enhances election integrity and voter confidence in the electoral process. Advocates commend the push for increased transparency and accountability in election administration. However, there are concerns raised by some advocacy groups about the potential for civic disenfranchisement due to strict penalties and administrative burdens this bill may impose on county registrars.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the enforcement of penalties against counties that may struggle to comply with the new regulations due to lack of resources or potential administrative errors. Critics argue that the civil penalties could lead to disproportionate consequences for counties, particularly in areas with fewer resources. Furthermore, the conversation around the balance between maintaining strict oversight and ensuring that voting access is not hindered remains a key concern in discussions of HB 2498.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1013

Relating to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a penalty, increasing a penalty.

TX SB2975

Relating to certain election practices and procedures; increasing a criminal penalty; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB2277

Elections administration; duties of local electoral board, certification of election, civil penalty.

TX HB4842

Relating to the conduct and administration of elections.

TX HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party and further providing for death of registrant.

TX HB05001

An Act Concerning Absentee Voting For All And Various Other Reforms Related To The Administration Of Elections.

TX HB07228

An Act Concerning Various Reforms To The Administration Of Elections In This State.

TX HB4059

Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a civil penalty.

TX HB5101

Relating to the cancellation of all voter registrations following each presidential election; making conforming changes to voter registration and maintenance procedures; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HF2119

Elections integrity act established requiring photo ID to register and to vote, ID cards and provisional ballots established, and criminal penalties increased.

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