H.B. No. 4989, titled the Ballot Box Election Security, Transparency, and Accountability Act, aims to enhance election integrity and security in Texas by implementing stricter regulations regarding the observation and handling of election materials. The bill amends Chapter 33 of the Texas Election Code to allow appointed watchers at polling places to observe various election activities, including the opening and closing of polling places, the operation of voting equipment, and the inspection and transfer of ballot boxes and other election materials. Additionally, it mandates that watchers be allowed to follow the transfer of election materials to designated locations, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

The bill also introduces new requirements for video surveillance of areas containing voted ballots in counties with populations of 100,000 or more, ensuring that these areas are monitored from the time ballots are delivered until the final canvass of precinct election returns. Violations of this surveillance requirement are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, escalating to a third-degree felony for subsequent offenses. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that candidates and their representatives are entitled to be present during the retrieval and counting of ballots, reinforcing the accountability of the election process. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: of the Election Code 127.1232 (of the Election Code 127)