Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2908

Caption

Relating to the address of a candidate on an application for a place on the ballot; creating a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The introduction of an affidavit requirement intends to enhance the integrity of electoral processes by ensuring that candidates provide truthful information regarding their residence. If a candidate provides false information on the affidavit, they may face severe consequences, including a third-degree felony charge and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. This legislative measure is designed to deter fraudulent applications and reinforce public trust in the electoral system.

Summary

House Bill 2908 focuses on the requirements for candidates applying for a place on the ballot in Texas. The bill seeks to amend the Election Code, specifically Section 141.031, to institute stricter measures regarding the accuracy of the address provided by candidates on their applications. This includes an obligation for candidates to submit an affidavit affirming their residence at the address listed, thereby adding a layer of verification to the candidacy process.

Contention

While the bill may be aimed at improving election integrity, it could also be perceived as potentially disenfranchising candidates who are unable to comply with the stringent requirements. Critics might argue that the penalties for inaccuracies—especially regarding residency—are excessively harsh, and could deter qualified individuals from seeking office. Moreover, this could disproportionately affect individuals from marginalized communities who may face challenges in proving their residency, raising concerns about equitable access to candidacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB993

Relating to the process of applying for a place on a ballot.

TX HB3537

Relating to a candidate's application for a place on the ballot for a party's primary election.

TX HB239

Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.