Texas House Bill HB2335

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to fees charged for issuance by a state or local governmental entity of identification that may be presented to be accepted to vote.

Impact

The implementation of HB2335 is expected to have a significant impact on state law regarding voting procedures and identification requirements. By amending the Election Code to eliminate fees for voter identification-related documents, the bill seeks to simplify the voting process and encourage higher voter participation. This adjustment may particularly benefit low-income individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with obtaining identification.

Summary

House Bill 2335 addresses the fees charged by state or local governmental entities for issuing identification that can be used for voting purposes. The bill amends Section 63.0101 of the Election Code to prohibit any state or local governmental entity from levying fees for the issuance of documents that serve as proof of identification necessary for a person to be accepted for voting. This aims to enhance accessibility for voters by eliminating financial barriers that might deter individuals from obtaining required identification.

Contention

While the bill promotes increased accessibility to voting, it may also face contention from those who argue that it could lead to lax identification verification processes. Proponents of stricter identification laws may express concerns regarding potential risks to the integrity of elections. However, supporters of HB2335 assert that removing fees is a critical step towards ensuring that all eligible voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process without financial impediments.