The bill amends the Government Code by adding a new subchapter that outlines the responsibilities of the attorney general in prosecuting certain criminal offenses. Specifically, it establishes that the attorney general has jurisdiction to prosecute offenses related to the Election Code, specific chapters of the Health and Safety Code, and certain chapters of the Penal Code. Law enforcement agencies are required to submit reports of probable cause to both local prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general, and if six months pass without action from the local prosecutor, the attorney general is mandated to initiate prosecution.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions in the Election Code to clarify that the attorney general shall prosecute election-related offenses as specified in the new subchapter. 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)