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Relating to the elements of the criminal offense of election fraud; increasing criminal penalties.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 574 would make it so that any person who knowingly or intentionally counts invalid votes, does not count valid votes, alters a report to include invalid votes, or intentionally excludes valid votes commits election fraud under Section 276.013, Election Code. It would also upgrade all offenses under this Section from Class A misdemeanors to second-degree felonies.
Texas Action supports HB 574 because it helps the government fulfill a core duty without infringing on the rights of Texans. This bill would bring much needed additional security to Texas elections by addressing more forms of voter fraud and more harshly punishing those who engage in voter fraud. This is consistent with our principles of limited government and individual liberty.