House Bill No. 1004 amends the Government Code by adding a new Subchapter D, which outlines the attorney general's duty to prosecute certain criminal offenses. This subchapter applies to offenses under the Election Code, specific chapters of the Health and Safety Code, and various chapters of the Penal Code. It establishes that law enforcement agencies must provide a report to both local prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general when there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. If six months pass without the local prosecuting attorney initiating prosecution, the attorney general is required to take action.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions in the Election Code, mandating that the attorney general shall prosecute election-related offenses as specified in the new subchapter. It also clarifies that the attorney general may direct local prosecutors to assist in these prosecutions. The changes will only apply 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)