TITLE: Relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of state's Internet website databases containing certain information about elections.

SUMMARY: Relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of state's Internet website databases containing certain information about elections.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of state's Internet website databases containing certain information about elections. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 4.003(e), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) The authority responsible for giving notice of the election shall deliver to the secretary of state:(1) a copy of the notice of a consolidated precinct required by Subsection (b) not later than the date of the election;and (2) information for the secretary of state's database of election information under Section 31.017 in an electronic format required by the secretary of state.SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 31, Election Code, is amended by adding Sections 31.017 and 31.018 to read as follows: Sec. 31.017. INTERNET DATABASE OF ELECTION INFORMATION. (a) The secretary of state shall post on the secretary of state's public Internet website a database containing information provided by each authority responsible for giving notice of an election in this state. The database must include the following information: (1) the name of the authority; (2) each office to be filled at the election; (3) whether the office is elected at large or by district; and (4) the dates of the preceding and next election for the office. (b) The secretary of state shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section. Sec. 31.018. INTERNET DATABASE FOR INCUMBENTS AND CANDIDATES. (a) The secretary of state shall post on the secretary of state's Internet website a database containing information about each holder of and candidate for any elected office in this state. (b) The database must include the following information about a holder of an elected office: (1) name; (2) office title, including any district, place, or position; (3) if the office is elected at large or by district; (4) date of the previous and next election for the office; (5) public mailing address; (6) public telephone number, if available; and (7) public e-mail address, if available. (c) The database must include the following information about a candidate for an elected office: (1) name; (2) office sought, including any district, place, or position; (3) if the office is elected at large or by district; (4) date of the election; (5) public mailing address; (6) public telephone number, if available; (7) public e-mail address, if available; (8) name of the incumbent; and (9) if the candidate has filed as a write-in candidate. (d) The authority with whom a declaration of candidacy is filed, a state chair of a political party, or the presiding officer of a political party's convention shall provide information about a candidate or officeholder to the secretary of state. (e) The secretary of state shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section. SECTION 3. Section 141.032, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows: (h) The authority with whom the application is filed shall provide the secretary of state with the candidate's information required for the secretary of state's Internet website under Section 31.018. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.