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TexasHB 166189th Legislature Regular SessionHouse

Relating to election supplies and the conduct of elections; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Sponsored By: Paul Bettencourt (Republican), Briscoe Cain, Mike Schofield, Valoree Swanson, Cody Vasut, Terry M. Wilson

Signed by Governor

Crimes--MiscellaneousElections--AdministrationElections--Registration & Suffrage

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Tougher criminal penalties for Texas election violations

Beginning September 1, 2025, responsible election supply authorities face a Class A misdemeanor for intentionally failing to provide required precinct ballots. They face the same charge for intentionally failing to promptly supply more ballots when a polling place requests them. Offenses under Texas Election Code Sections 51.010 and 51.011 rise from Class C to Class A misdemeanors. Section 61.007 offenses rise from Class A misdemeanors to state jail felonies. These three penalty increases apply only to offenses committed on or after that date; earlier offenses remain under prior law.

New ballot supply rules for Texas

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas election supply authorities must provide ballots based on 125% of the precinct’s last matching election turnout. The ballot count cannot exceed the precinct’s registered voters. That cap does not apply in counties using the countywide polling place program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Paul Bettencourt

    Republican • Senate

  • Briscoe Cain

    House

  • Mike Schofield

    House

  • Valoree Swanson

    House

  • Cody Vasut

    House

  • Terry M. Wilson

    House

Cosponsors

  • Daniel Alders

    House

  • Cody Harris

    House

  • Richard Hayes

    House

  • Hillary Hickland

    House

  • Andy Hopper

    House

  • Helen Kerwin

    House

  • Phil King

    Republican • Senate

  • Lois Kolkhorst

    Republican • Senate

  • Terri Leo Wilson

    House

  • David Lowe

    House

  • Brent Money

    House

  • Joanne Shofner

    House

  • Wes Virdell

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 383 • No: 182

Senate vote • 5/26/2025

Record vote

Yes: 22 • No: 9

Senate vote • 5/26/2025

Record vote

Yes: 25 • No: 6

Senate vote • 5/26/2025

Record vote

Yes: 22 • No: 9

Senate vote • 5/26/2025

Record vote

Yes: 22 • No: 9

House vote • 5/8/2025

Record vote

Yes: 94 • No: 54

House vote • 5/7/2025

Record vote

Yes: 85 • No: 49

House vote • 5/7/2025

Record vote

Yes: 98 • No: 42

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: State Affairs

Yes: 9 • No: 1

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Elections

Yes: 6 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/28/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/27/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/27/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/27/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/26/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/26/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/26/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/26/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/26/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/26/2025Senate

  13. Record vote

    5/26/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/26/2025Senate

  15. Record vote

    5/26/2025Senate

  16. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    5/26/2025Senate

  17. Placed on intent calendar

    5/26/2025Senate

  18. Co-sponsor authorized

    5/26/2025Senate

  19. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/23/2025Senate

  20. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/23/2025Senate

  21. Vote taken in committee

    5/22/2025Senate

  22. Considered in public hearing

    5/22/2025Senate

  23. Left pending in committee

    5/19/2025Senate

  24. Considered in public hearing

    5/19/2025Senate

  25. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

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