Austin, TX – Senate Bill 1933 by Senator Bettencourt (R-Houston) and Sponsored by Representative Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) officially passed both chambers today with the adoption of the conference committee report, on a motion by House Election Committee Chair of Elections Representative Reggie Smith (R-Sherman).

There were over ten thousand election irregularities in the Harris County 2022 primary and general elections, plus and the truth of what really happened with the November 8, 2022, election has yet to be told publicly by either the Harris County Elections Administrator or the Harris County Judge. There are now 21 active election contests, and the trial judge has scheduled trials for some of these cases.

“With the passing of SB 1933, the Texas Secretary of State has oversight over Elections Administration issues by filled factual complaints. This means that following SB 1750’s return of Harris County Elections to County-Elected Officials, the problems of the defunct Harris County Elections Administrator should be a thing of the past.” Said Senator Bettencourt.

Senate Bill 1933 establishes a protocol for those involved in the election process (a candidate, county chair or state chair of a political party, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, or head of a specific- purpose political committee) to file a complaint to the Secretary of State’s office about reoccurring election irregularities in Harris County. The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide notice of a complaint filed against an elected official within 30 days after receiving the complaint. Lastly, the bill allows for election officials the complaint was made against to respond with any supporting documentation related to the complaint.

If the Secretary of State establishes that there is in fact a reoccurring pattern with election issues, then SB 1933 sets up the protocols for an oversight period by the Secretary of State’s office. This oversight can last for at least one year or to the date in which the Secretary of State determines that the recurring pattern of problems with the election are rectified. Lastly, the Secretary of State may enter a written order to terminate the employment of a county election administrator following the oversight period.

SB 1933 will now head to the Governor for his signature review. “Final passage of SB 1933 and SB 1750 should ensure voters never see another election fiasco like what occurred during the November 8th general election in the Nation’s 3rd largest county,” he concluded.

See previous press releases for more information:

• Statement from Senator Paul Bettencourt in response to Harris County News Conference with Attorney Christian D. Menefee about the County’s “Legal Strategy” following the passage of SB 1750 & SB 1933
• Sen. Bettencourt’s bills return Harris County Elections from EA back to Elected Officials passes!

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