- Bill Restoring AG’s Ability to Prosecute Election Fraud Passes Texas House
- Legislation Protecting Gender Detransitioners One Step Closer to Becoming Law
- State Rep. Dennis Paul Announces for Senate District 11
Bill Restoring AG’s Ability to Prosecute Election Fraud Passes Texas House
On Friday, the Texas House gave final approval to a bill that would provide the Attorney General the authority to prosecute election law cases, including election fraud.
House Bill 5138 by State Representative Matt Shaheen addresses a 2021 decision by the Court of Criminal Appeals that ruled that the Texas Attorney General did not have unilateral authority under the Texas Constitution to prosecute election law cases. That decision, known as the Stephens decision, served as fodder in the 2024 Republican Primary elections that saw the defeat of three incumbent Judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals who signed onto the Stephens decision.
Under Shaheen’s bill, a law enforcement agency that submits a report to a local prosecutor alleging probable cause exists that a criminal violation under the Texas Election Code occurred must also send the report to the Attorney General’s office. If the local prosecutor has not taken action to prosecute the alleged offense within six months after receiving the report from law enforcement, then the Attorney General would have jurisdiction to prosecute the offense.
Republican Party of Texas Chairman Abraham George thanked Shaheen for his efforts in passing the bill.
“HB 5138 Has Passed the Texas House! This is one of our Legislative Priority Bills under the Secure Texas Elections Priority. HB 5138 by Rep. @MattShaheen is a considerable step forward in securing our elections and holding fraudulent actors accountable.
This bill empowers the Texas Attorney General to directly prosecute criminal offenses related to election law, closing loopholes and stopping rogue prosecutors from ignoring violations. Texans deserve elections that are fair, free, and protected from abuse, and HB 5138 delivers. Thank you Representative Matt Shaheen,” tweeted George.
Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, were firmly opposed to the legislation.
“HB 5138 is a dangerous power grab. It lets the TX AG override local prosecutors to go after so-called “election crimes.” It’s anti-democratic, expensive, and designed to intimidate voters,” said the Texas Progressive Legislative Caucus.
Legislation Protecting Gender Detransitioners One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Senate Bill 1257, which will require health insurance companies that provide coverage for gender transition treatments also to provide coverage for “all possible adverse consequences” of gender transitioning, as well as coverage for detransitioning, received passage on second reading in the Texas House on Saturday. The bill will head to Governor Abbott’s desk if it passes the House on third reading without any amendments.
State Senator Bryan Hughes authored the bill. State Representative Jeff Leach, who authored a companion bill in the House, is the bill’s House sponsor.
“Powerful day at the Capitol. I had the honor of meeting with several courageous individuals who have detransitioned and bravely shared their stories in committee today in support of HB 778.
Their voices matter. Their experiences are real. And they deserve to be heard. My bill ensures that individuals harmed by gender transition procedures have access to the care they need to heal,” said Leach on April 2 after his version of the legislation was heard in the House Insurance Committee.
State Rep. Dennis Paul Announces for Senate District 11
The race to Mayes Middleton as State Senator in Senate District 11 drew its first entrant earlier this week. State Representative Dennis Paul, who represents the Clear Lake area of Harris County, announced his candidacy to succeed Middleton on Thursday. Middleton recently announced that he would be running for Attorney General.
“Senator Middleton’s decision to run for Texas Attorney General opens the door on the next opportunity for me to serve the people of our area. It has been my great honor to serve the voters in HD 129 and I will continue to be your conservative voice for Senate District 11. I will faithfully represent those values which make Texas the greatest state to live, work and raise a family: faith in God; love for family and liberty,” said Paul.
Paul, the owner of a structural engineering firm, has served in the Texas House since 2015. He has a long history in the conservative grassroots, serving as a Republican precinct chairman and member of the State Republican Executive Committee before his election to the Texas House.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has endorsed Paul’s candidacy for the State Senate.
“Dennis Paul has everything that’s needed to be a Texas Senator. He has a 12-year track record of being a stalwart conservative who keeps a laser focus on serving the people of his District. He will be a tremendous asset to the Texas Senate. With his experience in the Texas House, he will be effective on Day 1 as a Senator,” Patrick said. “I am proud to endorse him as the next Senator from District 11.”
ICYMI
Texas Sovereignty Act Headed to Texas Senate
“Texas is Not for Sale”: Texas House Advancing Bills Protecting Texas from Hostile Foreign Threats (Publisher’s Note: SB 17, referenced in this article, was passed by the Texas House on May 9)
