Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB1

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; providing civil penalties.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws is significant, placing new requirements on both voters and election officials. It outlines criminal penalties for unlawful voting and registration activities, thereby increasing legal repercussions for election-related offenses. The legislation also includes provisions that allow election officials greater authority to oversee voter registration processes and the validity of ballots. With this increased oversight, the legislation is expected to affect how elections are conducted, specifically around procedures that deal with ballot processing and voter eligibility assessments.

Summary

Senate Bill 1 (SB1) addresses election integrity and security in Texas, introducing various measures aimed at preventing fraud in elections. The bill enhances the registration process for voters, emphasizing the necessity to provide a clear identification while registering. It also introduces stricter rules regarding early voting, including new regulations for how ballots are handled and ensuring adequate identification is maintained during the voting process, particularly through signature verification. These provisions are designed to boost confidence in the electoral system by ensuring that all eligible votes are accounted for while minimizing the potential for electoral fraud.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1 is polarized. Proponents argue that the bill strengthens the security of elections and promotes public confidence in the democratic process. They believe that these measures are necessary to combat voter fraud and enhance the electoral system's integrity. Conversely, opponents view the legislation as a potential hindrance to voting accessibility, arguing that the new requirements could disenfranchise voters, particularly those from vulnerable communities. This debate reflects broader national conversations about election security versus voter access.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1 include the balance between enhancing security and maintaining voter access. Critics highlight that the bill may disproportionately affect marginalized groups by imposing additional barriers to voting, such as stricter identification rules and the complex processes required for registering and casting a vote. The discourse around SB1 underscores the ongoing tensions between ensuring election integrity and protecting the foundational principle of accessible voting for all eligible citizens.

Latest SB1 Activity

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 HB2498

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

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 SB2433

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

TX HB4598

TX SB465

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

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.