Texas House Bill HB1679

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Introduced: 2/23/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11

Caption

Relating to aid provided to certain voters; providing criminal penalties.

Impact

The bill escalates the penalties for certain election-related offenses, reclassifying them from misdemeanors to state jail felonies. Notably, if an individual is convicted of certain offenses related to unlawful assistance, the severity of the punishment increases further if the same voter is involved. This change reflects a broader initiative within the legislature to enhance the security of the electoral process and reduce incidences of voter fraud, regardless of whether substantial evidence of fraud has been demonstrated.

Summary

House Bill 1679 addresses provisions related to aid given to voters during elections, specifically amending various sections of the Election Code. The bill introduces stricter regulations regarding who can aid voters in submitting their ballots, stipulating that an individual may not deposit more than two carrier envelopes containing ballots voted by others. The intent behind this amendment is to eliminate possible abuses in ballot handling and foster greater election integrity, as it imposes substantial penalties for violating such provisions.

Contention

Amid discussions surrounding HB 1679, notable points of contention surfaced. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral system, ensuring that voters can participate without external influences or manipulation. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential consequences for vulnerable populations, particularly those who may rely on assistance from family or caregivers. They argue that the stringent regulations could inadvertently disenfranchise individuals who need help navigating the voting process, challenging the bill's intent and potential societal implications.