Texas Senate Bill SCR29

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to update Voting Rights Act provisions to protect against voter discrimination.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the ongoing need for legislative action to combat voter discrimination, particularly in Texas, which has a documented history of attempts to suppress the voting rights of Latino, African American, and other underrepresented populations. By highlighting actions taken in recent years to implement restrictive legislation that could disenfranchise these groups, SCR29 illustrates the necessity for Congress to establish a modern coverage formula and oversight provisions. This is crucial for restoring the protections that were previously afforded under the VRA and ensuring that similar discriminatory practices do not recur.

Summary

SCR29 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature that urges the United States Congress to update the Voting Rights Act (VRA) to restore and enhance protections against voter discrimination. The resolution highlights that the VRA, established in 1965, previously played a crucial role in ensuring equal voting access for minority groups. However, it points out that the effectiveness of this legislation was significantly undermined by the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which invalidated key provisions that mandated preclearance for certain jurisdictions with histories of voting discrimination, leaving communities vulnerable to restrictive voting laws.

Contention

One notable contention surrounding the resolution is the recognition of current and past racial discrimination in voting practices, as it calls on Congress to implement flexible protections that are relevant in today's context. Proponents of the resolution argue that it is vital to adapt the voting laws to the changing landscape of discrimination, in order to safeguard the fundamental right to vote. However, some may see this as a challenge to state autonomy in the administration of elections, which can lead to debates over state versus federal control in the voting process.