TITLE: Relating to grounds for recounting paperless electronic voting system ballots.

SUMMARY: Relating to grounds for recounting paperless electronic voting system ballots.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to grounds for recounting paperless electronic voting system ballots. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Section 212.0241, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 212.0241. NO GROUND REQUIRED FOR PAPERLESS ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM RECOUNT. SECTION 2. Sections 212.0241(a), (b), and (c), Election Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) A ground for obtaining an initial recount as prescribed by this subchapter is not required to obtain an initial recount of paperless electronic voting system results, subject to Subsection (b). (b) A candidate for nomination or election to an office may obtain an initial recount of paperless electronic voting system results in an election in which the person was a candidate only if the candidate is shown by the election returns not to be nominated or elected. However, a candidate shown to be nominated or elected may obtain an initial recount if an opposing candidate's initial recount petition is approved for a recount that is covered by Section 212.131(c) and that does not include all of the voting system precincts in the election. (c) The secretary of state shall prescribe any procedures necessary to accommodate the authorization to obtain a recount of paperless electronic voting system results without a specific ground. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.