The bill, S.B. No. 891, aims to establish new criminal offenses and penalties related to the intimidation and harassment of election officials, as well as election interference. It introduces Chapter 280 to the Election Code, which defines key terms such as "election official," "family member," and "personal information." The bill outlines specific offenses, including engaging in threatening conduct towards election officials, using force or coercion to influence their duties, and disseminating personal information that poses a threat to their safety. Penalties for these offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity and circumstances of the actions.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 552.117(a) of the Government Code to include current election officials among those whose personal information is protected from public disclosure. This change aims to enhance the safety and privacy of election officials by preventing the dissemination of sensitive information that could lead to harassment or intimidation. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.117 (Government Code 552)