HB 242 introduces a new offense in the Texas Election Code, prohibiting the unauthorized acquisition of personally identifiable information that links a voter to their individual ballot choices. This bill criminalizes attempts to obtain such information, protecting the right to a secret ballot as guaranteed by Section 4, Article VI of the Texas Constitution. Exceptions include authorized actions by election officials performing their duties or obtaining information under court order for election-related legal proceedings. Violations constitute a third-degree felony, with potential for consecutive sentences if related to additional offenses arising from the same criminal episode. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025​.