Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB3

Caption

Relating to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB3 will impact several key areas of state law regarding elections. This includes provisions that change the requirements for voting by mail and the procedures for counting ballots to ensure the integrity and security of the voting process. The bill mandates stricter regulations around voter registration and places additional responsibilities on election officials to maintain uniform practices across the state. These measures are intended to create a more secure electoral environment, though they may also complicate the voting process for some residents.

Summary

House Bill 3, titled the Election Integrity Protection Act, proposes substantial amendments to the Texas Election Code aimed at enhancing election security and reducing fraud. The bill is justified by the legislature's findings that maintaining the integrity of elections is crucial for public confidence in the democratic process. It emphasizes a need for reforms to prevent fraudulent activities and ensures that all legally cast ballots are counted. The bill introduces new criminal offenses related to election fraud and increases penalties for those committing election-related crimes.

Contention

The bill has sparked controversy among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Critics argue that while the bill's intention is to safeguard elections, it could inadvertently suppress voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities who may face additional hurdles in meeting the new requirements. Concerns have also been raised regarding the criminalization of inadvertent voting errors and the potential for increased prosecutions of individuals who may unknowingly violate these new regulations. Supporters of the bill, however, maintain that it is essential for protecting the democratic process and ensuring that public faith in electoral systems is restored.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5234

Relating to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a penalty, increasing a penalty.

TX SB1911

Relating to election supplies and the conduct of elections; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB4598

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB2433

Relating to certain election practices and procedures; increasing a criminal penalty; providing an administrative penalty.

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.

TX HB2498

Relating to the conduct and administration of elections; providing a civil penalty.