TX HB3517

Amends Texas Election Code Section 61.006 to change the offense from "unlawfully divulging" a vote to "unlawfully publishing" a vote, expanding the scope beyond information obtained at polling places

Defines "publish" as communicating or making information available orally, in writing, or through telecommunication or electronic communication

Makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly publish how a voter voted without the voter's effective consent

Establishes that consent is not effective if induced by force, threat, or fraud; given by unauthorized persons; given by someone unable to make reasonable decisions due to youth, mental defect, or intoxication; or given solely to detect an offense

Creates exceptions allowing publication of voting information during official investigations or administrative, executive, legislative, or judicial proceedings where the information is relevant, including election administration

Applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025