The bill, H.B. No. 5430, introduces new regulations regarding the eligibility of candidates who file applications for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party within the same voting year. Specifically, it establishes that such candidates will be deemed ineligible for a place on the ballot for the general primary election, nomination by convention, and participation in the succeeding general election as an independent candidate, nominee of a political party, or write-in candidate. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of State must omit the names of ineligible candidates from the general primary election ballots of each political party and provide written notice to the candidates regarding their ineligibility and the option to withdraw from the election.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Election Code to ensure that candidates' names cannot be certified if they are to be omitted from the ballot under the new Section 162.0151 or if their application is invalid under other specified sections. This includes updates to the responsibilities of state chairs, presiding officers, and county chairs in the certification process. The provisions of this act are 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)