WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 7

Proposing a constitutional amendment specifying the authority of the attorney general to prosecute a criminal offense prescribed by the election laws of this state.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Trent Ashby and 6 co-sponsors

Texas constitutional amendment would grant Attorney General explicit authority to prosecute state election law crimes, centralizing enforcement previously handled by local prosecutors.

Filed
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #elections--general(i0310) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 7

Legislative bill overview

HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly grant Texas's Attorney General the authority to prosecute criminal offenses under the state's election laws. Currently, this prosecutorial power may be ambiguous or limited under existing constitutional provisions. The amendment would clarify and potentially expand the AG's jurisdiction over election-related crimes.

Why is this important

Election law enforcement is a fundamental aspect of election integrity. Clarifying prosecutorial authority can reduce jurisdictional disputes between state and local prosecutors and potentially streamline how election crimes are handled. However, centralizing election crime prosecution at the state level represents a significant shift in power dynamics between state and local authorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Federalism concerns: Centralizing election prosecution in the state AG's office may diminish local control and county prosecutors' traditional roles in criminal enforcement
  • Political weaponization risk: Opponents may worry that expanding a statewide elected official's prosecutorial power over elections could enable partisan use of election law enforcement
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Election laws" is broad—the amendment doesn't specify which specific offenses qualify, potentially allowing expansive interpretation of the AG's authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.