S.B. No. 507 aims to enhance the management of election supplies and the conduct of elections in Texas by introducing new criminal offenses and increasing penalties for existing offenses. The bill amends Section 51.005 of the Election Code to require election authorities to provide a number of ballots for each precinct that is at least equal to the percentage of voters who participated in the most recent corresponding election, plus an additional 25%. It also stipulates that the number of ballots cannot exceed the total number of registered voters in the precinct unless the county is part of the countywide polling place program. Furthermore, the bill establishes that failing to provide the required number of ballots or to promptly supplement ballots upon request constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties for certain offenses related to election conduct. It changes the classification of offenses under Sections 51.010 and 51.011 from Class C and Class A misdemeanors to state jail felonies, respectively. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to ensure better preparedness and accountability in the election process, thereby enhancing the integrity of elections in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 51.005, Election Code 51.008, Election Code 51.010, Election Code 51.011, Election Code 61.007 (Election Code 61, Election Code 51)