The bill, H.B. No. 5126, amends the Election Code of Texas to establish new provisions regarding the recounting of ballots from paperless electronic voting systems. It removes the requirement for a specific ground to initiate an initial recount of results from these systems. The heading of Section 212.0241 is changed to reflect that no ground is required for a recount of paperless electronic voting system results. Additionally, the bill specifies that a candidate may request a recount if they are not shown to be nominated or elected, but allows for a recount request from a candidate who is shown to be nominated or elected if an opposing candidate's recount petition is approved.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State develop necessary procedures to facilitate recounts of paperless electronic voting system results without the need for a specific ground. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, streamlining the recount process for electronic voting systems and potentially increasing transparency and confidence in election outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 212.0241 (Election Code 212)