Texas House Bill HB1464

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to voter registration.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1464 will directly impact the handling of personal information within the voter registration system. By mandating that specific data, including social security numbers and personal identifiers, be treated as confidential, the bill seeks to improve trust in the electoral system. This change could encourage higher registration rates among vulnerable populations who might otherwise hesitate to provide personal information due to privacy concerns.

Summary

House Bill 1464 addresses the voter registration process by amending several sections of the Election Code in Texas. The bill seeks to ensure that certain personal information, such as telephone numbers and email addresses provided on voter registration applications, remain confidential and are not recorded or made publicly available. This aims to enhance the privacy of individuals registering to vote and aligns with broader efforts to protect voter information amidst growing concerns about identity theft and misuse of personal data in electoral processes.

Contention

The bill may face contention from those who argue that heightened confidentiality could complicate the verification processes essential for maintaining electoral integrity. Critics might raise concerns that limiting access to voter information could hinder election officials' abilities to address fraudulent registrations or ensure that all participants in the electoral process are legitimate. There may also be debates regarding the balance between privacy and transparency in elections, as some stakeholders advocate for more openness in voter registration procedures.