TX SB2974

Expands the Secretary of State's authority to take action protecting against Election Code violations and to order election officials to correct conduct that violates any provision of the code, not just conduct impeding voting rights or improperly delaying elections

Creates a new state election marshal position appointed by the Secretary of State, with regional election marshals appointed at a ratio of one per 1,000,000 residents in each Department of Public Safety region; marshals must be licensed peace officers commissioned by DPS with election law training

Election marshals must promptly investigate alleged Election Code violations supported by affidavit, and upon finding probable cause may use lawful means to prevent violations, seek court orders or warrants, and file criminal charges

Allows the Secretary of State and election marshals to impound election records and equipment during investigations, and grants election marshals authority to present affidavits alleging election crimes to county or district attorneys

Establishes emergency election review judges appointed by presiding judges of administrative judicial regions at least 60 days before elections, with expedited hearing requirements of 3 hours (during early voting period) or 1 hour (between end of early voting and final canvass) for emergency injunctive relief requests