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 report any probable cause of election-related criminal offenses to the attorney general and provide any requested information to assist in these prosecutions. The attorney general is granted jurisdiction to prosecute these offenses and is required to represent the state in such cases.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions in the Election Code to clarify the attorney general's authority to prosecute election law violations. It specifies that the attorney general "shall" represent the state in these prosecutions, replacing the previous language that allowed for discretion. The bill also allows the attorney general to direct local prosecutors to assist in these cases. Importantly, 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.

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