TX
Texas House Bill HB910

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB910

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the venue for the prosecution of an election offense.

Impact

The implications of HB 910 are significant, particularly for the handling of election-related cases. By expanding the venues in which such offenses can be prosecuted, the bill seeks to streamline legal proceedings and potentially enhance the integrity of elections by ensuring that judicial resources are accessible in regions that may have been impacted by election crimes. Importantly, this legislation introduces a timeframe wherein a county retains exclusive jurisdiction over offenses occurring within its borders, providing clarity in the enforcement of election laws post-election certification by the Governor.

Summary

House Bill 910 addresses the prosecution of election offenses in Texas, proposing modifications to the existing Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill specifically amends Chapter 13 by adding Article 13.41, which outlines the jurisdictional frameworks for prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor election-related offenses. Under the proposed legislation, felony offenses can be prosecuted in a judicial district adjacent to where the offense occurred, while misdemeanor offenses can be tried in an adjoining county. This change aims to offer more flexibility in prosecuting election crimes, which is particularly crucial given the sensitive nature of electoral processes.

Contention

Potential points of contention around HB 910 may center on concerns regarding the fairness and accessibility of the prosecution process. Critics might argue that allowing prosecutions in adjoining jurisdictions could lead to challenges in trial outcomes, especially if local sentiments regarding election integrity differ significantly from those in adjacent areas. Furthermore, the bill sets specific timeframes for exclusive jurisdiction, which may come under scrutiny for how they impact the timeliness and efficiency of legal resolutions related to election offenses.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 13. Venue
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2208

Relating to the venue for the prosecution of an election offense.

TX HB5053

Relating to the venue for the prosecution of an election offense.

TX HB3797

Relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of prosecuting attorneys in adjoining districts or counties to prosecute criminal offenses involving the election laws in this state.

TX SB1908

Relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of prosecuting attorneys in adjoining districts or counties to prosecute criminal offenses involving the election laws in this state.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB2917

Relating to peace officers and the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.

TX SB293

Relating to penalties for intimidation and harassment of election officials and election interference; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB1719

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.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.