BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1054

By: Zedler

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised about reports that some presidential electors received threats from individuals and groups attempting to influence their votes for president in a recent election. H.B. 1054 seeks to address this issue by including presidential electors among those against whom certain threats constitute an offense.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1054 amends the Election Code to specify that, with regard to the offense of retaliation against a voter, a voter includes a presidential elector.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.