Texas House Bill HB3916

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating to the posting of certain election declarations on the Internet website of the governmental entity holding the election.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding election transparency and public communication. By requiring public entities to maintain up-to-date disclosures on their websites, the bill aims to enhance voter awareness and participation. This aligns with a larger trend towards increased digital accessibility for government-related information and is in line with modern communication practices that favor online dissemination of information. If successful, it could set a precedent for similar legislative initiatives aimed at improving public sector transparency.

Summary

House Bill 3916 seeks to enhance the transparency of election processes by mandating that political subdivisions post certain election declarations on their respective Internet websites. Specifically, the bill amends the Election Code to require that any declarations made related to unopposed candidates be made available online until the 30th day after the candidates are sworn into office. This amendment is intended to improve public access to information about election declarations and ensure that constituents are informed about the electoral processes that affect their governance.

Contention

While proponents of HB 3916 argue that it strengthens the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring voters have access to essential information, there are potential contents surrounding the implementation of such a requirement. Concerns may arise regarding the technological capacity of smaller political subdivisions to maintain and update their websites regularly, which could impose an undue burden on them. Further, discussions may focus on how these changes will be enforced and whether they will truly result in improved voter engagement or simply serve as an additional bureaucratic requirement.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 2. Vote Required For Election To Office
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 081