The bill, S.B. No. 901, introduces a new provision in the Texas Election Code that prohibits candidates from filing applications for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party in the same voting year. If a candidate violates this rule, they will be declared ineligible for the general primary election ballot, nomination by convention, and for the succeeding general election as an independent candidate, a nominee of a political party, or a write-in candidate. The Secretary of State is tasked with determining a candidate's ineligibility and must notify the candidate, informing them of their ineligibility and the option to withdraw from the election.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Election Code to ensure that a candidate's name cannot be certified for the ballot if it is to be omitted under the new Section 162.0151 or if their application is invalid under other specified sections. This change aims to streamline the certification process and maintain the integrity of the election by preventing candidates who do not meet eligibility requirements from appearing on the ballot. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 172.028, Election Code 181.068, Election Code 182.007 (Election Code 181, Election Code 172, Election Code 182)