TX HB1477

Increases the criminal penalty for offenses related to preparing precinct election returns from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor

Authorizes the Secretary of State to supervise activities necessary to complete vote counts, prepare precinct returns, and distribute records when precinct election records are not delivered by the required deadline

Retains existing authority allowing a district judge to order impoundment of precinct election records upon application by a canvassing authority member when delivery deadlines are missed

Specifies that the district judge supervises completion of the count and record distribution only when records are judicially impounded

Takes effect September 1, 2025, with the increased criminal penalty applying only to offenses committed on or after that date