H.B. No. 493 amends the Election Code to establish new criteria for the eligibility of individuals serving as poll watchers. The bill requires that a certificate of appointment for a poll watcher must include an affidavit from the appointee affirming that they will not possess a device capable of recording images or sound while serving, or that they will disable such a device. Additionally, the appointee must confirm that they have not been finally convicted of a felony of the first or second degree or any felony offense related to election conduct.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing ineligibility criteria for serving as a poll watcher by specifying that individuals convicted of certain felonies, specifically those of the first or second degree, or any felony related to election conduct, are ineligible. This change aims to enhance the integrity of the election process by ensuring that only individuals without serious criminal convictions can serve in this capacity. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 33.006, Election Code 33.035 (Election Code 33)
House Committee Report: Election Code 33.006, Election Code 33.035 (Election Code 33)
Engrossed: Election Code 33.006, Election Code 33.035 (Election Code 33)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 33.006, Election Code 33.035 (Election Code 33)
Enrolled: Election Code 33.006, Election Code 33.035 (Election Code 33)