The bill, S.B. No. 891, aims to establish new criminal offenses 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 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 amendment 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 bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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