BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 827 89R2389 MPF-D By: Parker State Affairs 3/19/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT In recent years, concerns over the accuracy and integrity of electronic voting systems have grown, leading to calls for increased election transparency and auditability. While Texas law currently requires some post-election audits, the evolving landscape of election security necessitates a more robust, standardized approach to verifying electronic vote tabulations. Existing procedures do not mandate comprehensive manual verification of electronic voting system results, leaving potential gaps in ensuring public confidence in election outcomes. A committee substitute for S.B. 827 will strengthen election integrity by expanding the hand count audit process for electronic voting systems. The bill increases the scope of manual audits, requiring the general custodian of election records to conduct a hand count in a randomly selected percentage of polling locations and precincts, including mail-in ballots. Additionally, the substitute will integrate risk-limiting audits into the statewide election process, ensuring that all counties participate in verifying election results for selected races or measures. By enhancing audit procedures and providing transparency through publicly available audit results, this legislation aims to bolster voter confidence and reinforce the accuracy of Texas elections. As proposed, S.B. 827 amends current law relating to the audit of an election using an electronic voting system. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 127.201, Election Code, to read as follows: Sec. 127.201. HAND COUNT ELECTION AUDIT. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 827
89R2389 MPF-D By: Parker
State Affairs
3/19/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 827
89R2389 MPF-D
By: Parker
State Affairs
3/19/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In recent years, concerns over the accuracy and integrity of electronic voting systems have grown, leading to calls for increased election transparency and auditability. While Texas law currently requires some post-election audits, the evolving landscape of election security necessitates a more robust, standardized approach to verifying electronic vote tabulations. Existing procedures do not mandate comprehensive manual verification of electronic voting system results, leaving potential gaps in ensuring public confidence in election outcomes. A committee substitute for S.B. 827 will strengthen election integrity by expanding the hand count audit process for electronic voting systems. The bill increases the scope of manual audits, requiring the general custodian of election records to conduct a hand count in a randomly selected percentage of polling locations and precincts, including mail-in ballots. Additionally, the substitute will integrate risk-limiting audits into the statewide election process, ensuring that all counties participate in verifying election results for selected races or measures. By enhancing audit procedures and providing transparency through publicly available audit results, this legislation aims to bolster voter confidence and reinforce the accuracy of Texas elections.
As proposed, S.B. 827 amends current law relating to the audit of an election using an electronic voting system.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 127.201, Election Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 127.201. HAND COUNT ELECTION AUDIT.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.