Texas House Bill HB3667

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the maintenance of the statewide voter registration list.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3667 is expected to significantly improve the operational efficiency of the voter registration system. By authorizing the secretary of state to make necessary updates based on accurate and secure information, the bill aims to enhance voter access and trust in the electoral process. Furthermore, the requirement for the secretary of state to notify county registrars of changes ensures that local voting officials are kept informed and can respond effectively. This proactive approach helps prevent issues that could arise from outdated or incorrect voter data.

Summary

House Bill 3667 focuses on enhancing the management and security of the statewide voter registration list in Texas. It empowers the secretary of state to utilize secure data in verifying address changes for voters, ensuring more accurate voter rolls. This measure aims to maintain the integrity and up-to-date status of voter registrations, which is crucial for the electoral process. By allowing confirmed clerical changes to the voter registration list based on secure data, the bill seeks to alleviate administrative burdens while safeguarding citizen information.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill could raise concerns regarding privacy and data security among some stakeholders. The allowance for the secretary of state to disclose sensitive voter information—such as dates of birth and social security details—could face scrutiny from advocates for voter rights and privacy. They may argue that the transparency and security measures surrounding this data need to be robust to protect voters from identity theft or unauthorized access to their personal information. Balancing the need for accurate voter rolls with respect for individual privacy rights presents a potential area of contention for the implementation of this legislation.