S.B. No. 985 amends Section 42.0051 of the Election Code to allow for the combination of certain election precincts in Texas. The bill stipulates that if changes in county election precinct boundaries due to a redistricting plan result in precincts with fewer than 3,000 registered voters, a commissioners court or the county executive committee of a political party may combine these precincts to avoid excessive costs related to election equipment, supplies, and personnel. The previous limitation that this provision only applies to counties with populations under 1.2 million and that do not participate in the countywide polling place program has been removed.

Additionally, the bill establishes that combined precincts must adhere to the maximum population limits set forth in Section 42.006 and cannot exceed 10,000 registered voters. It also includes provisions to ensure that combined precincts do not dilute the voting strength or representation of groups protected under the federal Voting Rights Act. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that for the appointment of election judges in combined precincts, they will be treated as a single precinct, following the procedures outlined in Chapter 32. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 42.0051 (Election Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 42.0051 (Election Code 42)
Engrossed: Election Code 42.0051 (Election Code 42)