TX SB1539

Filing an election contest no longer suspends implementation of a constitutional amendment that was approved by a majority of voters; previously, the official result declaration was delayed until the contest was finally determined

Trial courts must issue written rulings on pretrial motions within 30 days of filing and must enter final judgment no later than 180 days after the contested election date

Appellate courts must bring appeals to final disposition within 60 days after the trial court judgment becomes final, reduced from the previous 180-day requirement

Court judgments must direct the governor to declare the election valid or void (rather than declaring the official result) within 10 days after the judgment becomes final

The changes apply only to constitutional amendment election contests filed on or after September 1, 2025; contests filed before that date remain governed by prior law