Texas Lawmakers Propose New Election Integrity Laws After Mishaps in Harris, Bexar Counties

As state lawmakers gear up for the 2024 legislation session, Republicans are eyeing election law reforms that would enhance consequences for violations, crack down on controversial innovations, and offer more remedies for problematic elections.

Calling a slew of election-related proposals the “Integrity 7,” Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) told The Texan the changes are necessary.

“These changes are needed due to real world examples of what not to do,” said Bettencourt. “They’re based upon my central tenant, which is a voter roll with integrity and election results that the public can believe in.”

Among the seven bills Bettencourt is championing is a refiling of his 2023 proposal to create a new civil complaint procedure that would allow candidates, heads of special purpose PACs, county or state political party chairs, and precinct election officials to request documentation related to apparent election irregularities.

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