Bill Caption

Relating to the enforcement of laws relating to elections.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1589 would provide an avenue for the Secretary of State (SOS) to immediately address election violations as they are occurring by allowing the SOS to appoint a state election marshal, who in turn would be allowed to appoint regional election marshals, who can address reports of election violations quickly. Current law only allows the SOS to inform the attorney general of election violations and attempt to stop, but not investigate, them.  

The bill would also provide for emergency judges to be able to hear cases within three hours of reporting during early voting and within one hour during election day. These judges would be appointed by the eleven (11) regional administrative law judges across the state.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 1589 because it would support our limited government and individual liberty principles by helping secure the integrity of elections in Texas. This bill would enact additional security to Texas elections by improving investigation response times to reports of election violations. Free and fair elections in which every legitimate ballot is counted and fraud is jealously guarded against are hallmarks of a free society and help instill confidence in electoral outcomes, especially in closely contested elections.