The bill amends various sections of the Texas Election Code to enhance the management and preservation of election records. Key changes include the requirement for registers to include additional details such as the range of serial numbers for ballots received and provided to voters, as well as the serial numbers of spoiled ballots. It also mandates that rejected provisional ballots be placed in segregated envelopes marked by precinct, and establishes that the general custodian of election records must maintain a list of votes cast in each precinct available for public inspection. Furthermore, the preservation period for precinct election records is extended to 36 months, and specific procedures for handling voted ballots and maintaining chain of custody are outlined.

Additional provisions include the requirement for ballot boxes to be sealed with uniquely numbered seals to ensure security, and the posting of ballot images on the county's or secretary of state's website within five days after the election. The bill also stipulates that any opening of ballot boxes must be witnessed by two individuals who will sign a sworn statement regarding the process. Lastly, the bill repeals a section of the Election Code and sets an effective date of September 1, 2025, for these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 65.013, Election Code 65.055, Election Code 65.056, Election Code 66.002, Election Code 279.001, Election Code 66.058, Election Code 66.059, Election Code 66.060, Election Code 66.025 (Election Code 65, Election Code 279, Election Code 66)