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Bill

HB 1475

Relating to requiring notice to the attorney general in an action under the Election Code seeking a temporary restraining order.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mike Schofield

Requires election-related temporary restraining order lawsuits to notify Texas Attorney General before court proceedings, adding procedural oversight to urgent voting disputes.

Laid on the table subject to call
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #courts--general(i0160) #elections--general(i0310)
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Bill Summary · HB 1475

Legislative bill overview

HB 1475 requires that when someone files a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) under Texas election law, they must notify the Texas Attorney General before the court can grant the order. This procedural requirement aims to give the state's chief legal officer notice of election-related legal challenges.

Why is this important

Election-related TROs can have immediate, significant consequences—they can halt voting procedures, change ballot access, or stop vote counting. Requiring Attorney General notification gives the state a structured opportunity to respond to legal challenges affecting election administration before courts issue urgent relief orders.

Potential points of contention

  • Standing and efficiency concerns: Critics may argue the requirement delays urgent judicial relief and that the Attorney General already has mechanisms to intervene in cases; mandatory notice adds bureaucratic steps to time-sensitive matters
  • Partisan advantage questions: Some may contend the requirement could benefit whichever party controls the Attorney General's office, allowing the state to strategically intervene in close election disputes
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language about "actions under the Election Code" may create disputes over which lawsuits trigger the notice requirement, potentially leading to litigation over procedural compliance itself

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

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