The bill, S.B. No. 11, amends the Government Code and the Election Code to clarify the responsibilities of the Texas Attorney General regarding the prosecution of criminal offenses related to election laws. It introduces a new Subchapter E under Chapter 402, which establishes that the Attorney General has jurisdiction to prosecute such offenses and mandates law enforcement agencies to report any probable cause findings to the Attorney General. Additionally, local prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement agencies are required to provide information to assist the Attorney General in these prosecutions.

The bill also modifies existing provisions in the Election Code, specifying that the Attorney General "shall represent the state" in prosecuting election-related offenses, rather than having the option to do so. It allows the Attorney General to direct local prosecutors in these cases and emphasizes cooperation between state and local authorities. The changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. The bill is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 273.021, Election Code 273.022 (Election Code 273)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 273.021, Election Code 273.022 (Election Code 273)
Engrossed: Election Code 273.021, Election Code 273.022 (Election Code 273)