H.B. No. 493 amends the Election Code to establish new criteria for ineligibility to serve as a poll watcher. The bill specifies that a person is ineligible if they have been finally convicted of certain felonies, specifically those of the first or second degree, or any felony offense related to election conduct. Additionally, the bill requires that a certificate of appointment for a poll watcher includes an affidavit from the appointee affirming that they will not possess any recording devices while serving and that they have not been convicted of the aforementioned felonies.

The amendments to Section 33.006(b) and Section 33.035 of the Election Code introduce these new requirements and clarify the conditions under which individuals may be disqualified from serving as poll watchers. The changes aim to enhance the integrity of the election process by ensuring that individuals with serious criminal convictions related to elections are not allowed to oversee polling activities. 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)