Texas House Bill HCR119

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Impact

The resolution points out that, since the Shelby decision, numerous laws that pose significant obstacles to voters, such as stringent voter ID requirements, have emerged. These laws disproportionately affect minorities, low-income individuals, and other marginalized groups. By calling on Congress to take action, the resolution seeks to restore protections that affirm access to voting as a fundamental right, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms to reintroduce preclearance mechanisms for jurisdictions historically known for discriminatory practices.

Summary

HCR119 is a concurrent resolution urging the United States Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution emphasizes the detrimental impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby v. Holder, which invalidated a key provision of the Act, leading to a resurgence of barriers that hinder citizens, particularly minorities, from exercising their voting rights. It highlights that, despite the historical importance of the Voting Rights Act in combating racial discrimination in voting, many states have taken advantage of the weakened protections to impose restrictive voting laws.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HCR119 underscore the ongoing struggle for voting rights in the United States. Advocates for the resolution argue that a strong Voting Rights Act is necessary to prevent discrimination and ensure that all citizens can participate in the democratic process. On the contrary, some critics may view renewed federal oversight as an overreach, suggesting that states should maintain autonomy over their election laws. The ongoing discourse around voter suppression and electoral integrity within this framework highlights the complexities of achieving a universally accessible voting system.