Texas House Bill HCR38

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the critical need for federal oversight in maintaining fair election processes, particularly in the wake of the 2013 Supreme Court decision that weakened provisions of the Voting Rights Act. By urging passage of the John Lewis Act, HCR38 seeks to reacquaint state and federal legislatures with the ongoing issues of voter suppression that affect minority populations across the nation. This bill aims to update the coverage criteria of the Voting Rights Act, thereby enhancing protections against discriminatory voting practices that many states previously enacted.

Summary

HCR38 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature, urging the United States Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The bill highlights the historical context of discriminatory policies in the United States that have suppressed minority voting rights and calls for a restoration of protections that aim to uphold democracy. It specifically references pivotal moments in civil rights history, such as the 1965 march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, which was instrumental in the passage of the original Voting Rights Act.

Contention

The introduction of HCR38 and the call for Congress to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act may face contention from opposition groups who advocate for state control over voting processes. Opponents may argue that the federal government's increased oversight could lead to overreach and hamper states' rights to govern their election processes independently. However, supporters of the resolution contend that without such measures, voter suppression tactics could proliferate, particularly in states with histories of discriminatory laws against minority voters.