H.B. No. 342 amends Section 42.0051 of the Election Code to allow for the combination of certain election precincts under specific conditions. The bill stipulates that if changes in county election precinct boundaries due to a redistricting plan result in precincts with fewer than 500 registered voters, a commissioners court or the county executive committee of a political party may combine these precincts to avoid excessive costs related to election equipment, supplies, and personnel. Additionally, counties with populations of at least 250,000 can combine precincts if the resulting precincts have between 500 and 750 registered voters. The bill also establishes that combined precincts must adhere to the maximum population limits set forth in Section 42.006.

The bill removes previous restrictions that limited the application of this section to counties with populations under 1.2 million that do not participate in the countywide polling place program. It also introduces new provisions that allow for the combination of precincts in certain circumstances, such as when a suitable polling place cannot be secured. Furthermore, it emphasizes that combined precincts must not exceed 10,000 registered voters and must not dilute the voting strength or representation of any group protected under the federal Voting Rights Act. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 42.0051 (Election Code 42)
House Committee Report: Election Code 42.0051 (Election Code 42)