Election crimes; interference; election of candidates; state office; felony; punishment; effective date.

HB 1455 prohibits state employees from using official authority to interfere with the nomination or election of candidates for statewide office, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and state legislators. It directly affects state agency staff, department workers, and political subdivision employees who might misuse their positions to influence elections. The bill makes such interference a felony punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, one year in prison, or both. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.