Relating to prohibited deceptive election practices; providing a criminal penalty.
Impact
The legislation outlines criminal penalties for violations, categorizing deceptive practices with the intent to prevent someone from voting as a Class B misdemeanor. This criminalization aims to deter individuals from engaging in harmful misinformation efforts that can influence the electoral process negatively. Additionally, it establishes procedures for reporting suspected violations to the Secretary of State, ensuring that timely actions can be taken to address any misinformation and uphold election integrity.
Summary
House Bill 283 primarily addresses the issue of deceptive election practices in Texas, aiming to enhance the integrity of elections and safeguard voters from misinformation regarding election procedures. The bill specifically prohibits any person from knowingly deceiving others regarding the time, place, or manner of conducting elections, as well as the qualifications for voter eligibility. This legislative measure is a response to concerns over fraudulent practices that could undermine the electoral process and citizens' trust in democracy.
Contention
Notably, the bill provides avenues for civil action against those found to violate the provisions, allowing both the Attorney General and affected parties to seek legal recourse. This dual approach of criminal and civil penalties adds weight to the consequences of engaging in deceptive practices and reinforces the state’s commitment to maintaining fair elections. The introduction of annual reports to the legislature by the Secretary of State regarding violations ensures ongoing accountability and oversight in addressing and monitoring deceptive practices in elections.
Relating to solicitation of patients and other prohibited marketing practices and the establishment of the task force on patient solicitation; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a penalty, increasing a penalty.
Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.
Relating to the enforcement of certain election laws by district attorneys, criminal district attorneys, and county attorneys; providing a civil penalty.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)