The bill amends the Government Code by adding a new Subchapter E, which outlines the responsibilities of the attorney general regarding the prosecution of criminal offenses related to election laws in Texas. It establishes that law enforcement agencies must submit reports of probable cause to both local prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general. If six months pass without the local prosecutor initiating proceedings, the attorney general is granted jurisdiction to prosecute the offense. This new framework aims to enhance the enforcement of election laws by ensuring that the attorney general can step in when local authorities do not act.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions in the Election Code, specifying that the attorney general "shall" prosecute election law offenses as outlined in the new subchapter, replacing the previous language that allowed for discretion. It also clarifies that the attorney general may direct local prosecutors to assist in these cases. The changes will only apply to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the laws in place at the time they were committed. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 273.021, Election Code 273.022 (Election Code 273)