The bill amends the Government Code by adding a new Subchapter E, which establishes the attorney general's duty to prosecute criminal offenses related to election laws in Texas. It specifies 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, mandating that the attorney general shall prosecute election law offenses as outlined in the new subchapter, rather than having the option to do so. It also clarifies that the attorney general may direct local prosecutors to assist in these cases. The changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the laws in effect 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)