Amend HB 2509 on third reading by inserting the following appropriately numbered sections of the bill and renumbering subsequent sections of the bill accordingly: SECTION ____. Section 67.016(e), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) The authority preparing a certificate of election shall promptly deliver it to the person for whom it is prepared, subject to Section 212.0331. SECTION ____. Subchapter B, Chapter 212, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 212.0331 to read as follows: Sec. 212.0331. EFFECT OF PETITION SUBMISSION ON QUALIFYING FOR OFFICE. (a) The submission of a recount petition delays the issuance of a certificate of election and qualification for the office involved in the recount pending completion of the recount. (b) A candidate may not qualify for an office involved in a recount before completion of the recount. (c) This section does not affect a candidate who has received a certificate of election and qualified for an office before the submission of a recount petition involving the office. (d) The secretary of state shall prescribe any procedures necessary to implement this section. SECTION ____. Section 213.013(e), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) To be eligible to serve as a representative at a recount, the person must satisfy the eligibility requirements prescribed by this code for watchers in the election. A representative appointed to serve at a recount must deliver a certificate of appointment to the recount committee chair at the time the representative reports for service. A representative who presents himself or herself for service at any time immediately before or during the recount and submits a proper certificate of appointment must be accepted for service unless the number of appointees to which the appointing authority is entitled have already been accepted. SECTION ____. Section 601.004, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 601.004. PERSON ELECTED TO UNEXPIRED TERM OF STATE, DISTRICT, COUNTY, OR PRECINCT OFFICE. A person who receives a certificate of election to an unexpired term of an office is entitled to qualify for and assume the duties of the office immediately and shall take office as soon as possible after the receipt of the certificate of election, subject to Section 212.0331, Election Code.