HB 493

relating to ineligibility to serve as a poll watcher.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 33.006(b), Election Code, is amended to
(b)  A certificate of appointment must:
(1)  be in writing and signed by the appointing
authority or, for an appointment for a write-in candidate under
Section 33.004, by each of the voters making the appointment;
(2)  indicate the capacity in which the appointing
(3)  state the name, residence address, and voter
registration number of the appointee and be signed by the
(4)  identify the election and the precinct polling
place or other location at which the appointee is to serve;
(5)  in an election on a measure, identify the measure
if more than one is to be voted on and state which side of the
measure the appointee represents; and
(6)  contain an affidavit executed by the appointee
(A)  will not have possession of a device capable
of recording images or sound or that the appointee will disable or
deactivate the device while serving as a watcher; and
(B)  has not been finally convicted of a felony of
the first or second degree or an offense in connection with conduct
directly attributable to an election.
SECTION 2.  Section 33.035, Election Code, is amended to
Sec. 33.035.  INELIGIBILITY OF PERSON CONVICTED OF CERTAIN
OFFENSES [ELECTION OFFENSE].  A person is ineligible to serve as a
watcher in an election if the person has been finally convicted of:
(1)  a felony of the first or second degree; or
(2)  an offense in connection with conduct directly
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.