Texas House Bill HCR1

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

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

Impact

The resolution highlights the historical importance of the Voting Rights Act in halting discriminatory practices that have historically targeted minorities, low-income communities, and other marginalized groups. It discusses how, in the absence of an effective Section 5 preclearance provision, various states have enacted restrictive laws regarding voter ID, early voting, and polling locations, contributing to widespread discrimination against vulnerable populations. Restoring the Voting Rights Act is deemed essential to safeguard the rights of these citizens and to uphold democratic principles.

Summary

HCR1 is a Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which has been significantly weakened by the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. This decision invalidated the formula used to determine which jurisdictions required federal preapproval before making changes to voting laws, resulting in a resurgence of discriminatory practices in voting. The resolution emphasizes the need for Congress to address these issues to ensure that all citizens can participate in free and fair elections without undue barriers.

Contention

Debate surrounding HCR1 reflects broader national discussions on voting rights and discrimination. Proponents argue that restoring the Voting Rights Act is necessary to combat a disturbing trend of voter suppression tactics, while opponents may contend that such measures infringe on states' rights to manage their own electoral processes. The resolution calls for immediate congressional action to modernize the preclearance formula, asserting that without proactive measures, the long-standing fight against voter discrimination will suffer setbacks, leading to a compromised electoral process.