Texas House Bill HB4406

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to elections; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Impact

The bill establishes new offenses and increases penalties for various election-related violations, which serves to deter fraudulent activities and ensure more accountability in the electoral process. Notably, it amends the Election Code to enhance compliance and oversight during elections, particularly emphasizing the responsibilities of election judges and their eligibility criteria. The implications of these amendments extend to how elections are conducted, potentially impacting both the administration and integrity of future elections in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4406 introduces significant changes related to elections, specifically focusing on the imposition of a supermajority requirement for certain bond elections by political subdivisions. This provision mandates that for a bond election to authorize the issuance of bonds, at least two-thirds of the voters must vote in favor, alongside a requirement that at least 20 percent of registered voters eligible to vote in the election participate. This brings a more stringent threshold for financial decisions made by local governments, potentially impacting their ability to fund necessary projects.

Contention

Opposition to HB 4406 centers around concerns that the supermajority requirements may hinder local governments' capacities to address community needs, particularly in financing essential infrastructure projects. Critics argue that the bill imposes excessive barriers for political subdivisions, which may undermine local autonomy and decision-making. Additionally, enhancing penalties for election offenses could lead to an overly punitive environment that may discourage community engagement in the electoral process.