89R10213 PRL-D
By: Hall S.B. No. 931
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the process of canvassing elections.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 67.004(d) and (f), Election Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(d) The canvassing authority shall [may] compare the
precinct returns with the corresponding tally list. If a
discrepancy is discovered between the vote totals shown on the
returns and those shown on the tally list for a precinct, the
presiding judge of the precinct shall examine the returns and tally
list and make the necessary corrections on the returns.
(f) On completion of the canvass, the presiding officer of
the canvassing authority shall deliver the precinct returns, tally
lists, and early voting precinct report used in the canvass to the
general custodian of election records. The presiding officer of
the canvassing authority shall verify that the precinct returns are
accurately reflected in the county returns prepared by the
custodian. The custodian shall preserve the records delivered
under this subsection [them] for the period for preserving the
precinct election records.
SECTION 2. Section 67.007, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (d-1), (d-2), and (d-3) to read as follows:
(d-1) The county clerk may not deliver the county returns to
the secretary of state under this section before each canvassing
authority has verified that the county returns accurately reflect
the precinct returns under Section 67.004(f).
(d-2) The secretary of state shall post the county returns
on the secretary of state's Internet website, organized by
precinct. Not later than 24 hours after the secretary of state posts
the county returns, the county clerk shall verify that the county
returns on the secretary of state's Internet website accurately
reflect the precinct returns delivered to the county clerk.
(d-3) The secretary of state shall compare the county
returns with the corresponding local election register. If a
discrepancy is discovered between the vote totals shown on the
returns and those shown on the register, the secretary of state
shall examine the returns and register and make the necessary
corrections on the returns.
SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.