Texas Senate Bill SB1666

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the conduct of primary elections and certain other election practices; increasing a criminal penalty; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

If enacted, SB1666 will have a profound impact on the Texas Election Code, consolidating powers within county election offices and potentially reclassifying certain election-related activities as criminal offenses. Specifically, the bill creates a new offense for organized election fraud activity, which includes direct involvement in a vote harvesting organization. This new classification elevates existing misdemeanors to more serious classifications, including felony charges in some circumstances, thus emphasizing the state's intent to combat fraudulent activities in elections rigorously.

Summary

Senate Bill 1666 proposes significant amendments to the conduct of primary elections and introduces new criminal offenses related to election practices. The bill aims to streamline election procedures by allowing county election officers more responsibilities in managing primary elections and by defining clearer terms for electioneering and the use of election materials. One of the main features of the bill is the increased criminal penalties for election-related offenses, especially concerning organized election fraud activities, which the bill defines as actions undertaken to influence votes improperly, including vote harvesting activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1666 has been mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary measure to safeguard the integrity of elections and deter potential fraud. They believe that by increasing penalties, it creates a strong disincentive against tampering with the electoral process. Conversely, critics have raised concerns that the bill could be seen as overly punitive, potentially discouraging legitimate political activities and voter participation. Additionally, there is skepticism regarding the vague definitions of certain criminal activities associated with elections, which could lead to unintended consequences.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's potential implications for grassroots political operations, particularly around vote harvesting. Critics contend that the new restrictions and criminal classifications may disproportionately affect smaller parties and independent candidates, who often rely on grassroots organizing to mobilize voters. There are also concerns about the practical enforcement of these new rules, as well as the possibility that the heightened scrutiny could lead to unjust prosecutions against individuals engaged in standard electoral activities.