The bill amends the Government Code by adding a new Subchapter D, which 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 this new subchapter, law enforcement agencies are required to submit reports of probable cause to both local prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general. If six months pass without the local prosecuting attorney initiating prosecution, the attorney general is granted jurisdiction to prosecute the offense.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions in the Election Code, establishing 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)