The bill, H.B. No. 1004, amends the Government Code by adding a new subchapter that outlines the attorney general's duty to prosecute certain criminal offenses, specifically those related to the Election Code and specific chapters of the Health and Safety and Penal Codes. Under the new provisions, law enforcement agencies are required to provide a report to both the local prosecuting attorney and the attorney general when there is probable cause to believe a criminal offense has occurred. If six months pass without the local prosecuting attorney initiating prosecution, the attorney general is granted jurisdiction to prosecute the case.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language in the Election Code to clarify that the attorney general "shall" prosecute offenses under election laws as specified in the new subchapter, rather than having the discretion to do so. It also allows the attorney general to direct local prosecutors to assist in these prosecutions. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 273.021, Election Code 273.022 (Election Code 273)