TX HB4989

Expands poll watcher rights to observe polling place opening and closing activities, including starting/closing voting equipment, printing voting system tapes, inspecting ballot boxes, and sealing/transferring data storage devices

Authorizes watchers to follow the transfer and delivery of election materials, including ballot boxes, from polling places to regional tabulating centers, central counting stations, early voting sites, and secured storage locations

Requires counties with 100,000+ population to implement video surveillance covering all areas containing voted ballots, including doorways, halls, and offices, from delivery through final canvass, with footage livestreamed to the public and a visible analog clock in each area

Creates criminal penalties for violating ballot security surveillance requirements: Class A misdemeanor for first offense, third-degree felony for subsequent offenses

Grants candidates and treasurers of specific-purpose political action committees the right to have watchers and representatives present during ballot box retrieval, seal opening, ballot sorting, counting, and resealing activities