Texas House Bill HB804

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/22/11
• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Report Pass: 3/14/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the offense of illegal voting by a person who is not a United States citizen.

Impact

If enacted, HB804 will amend the Election Code, introducing a legal framework that categorizes illegal voting by non-citizens as a serious offense punishable by law. The bill includes an affirmative defense for individuals who genuinely believed they were U.S. citizens at the time of voting, which indicates an attempt to balance enforcement with fairness. Nonetheless, the classification of the offense as a felony may have significant implications for individuals found guilty, potentially leading to severe legal consequences and impacting broader public perceptions around immigration and civic engagement.

Summary

House Bill 804 introduces significant changes to Texas election law by establishing a specific offense for illegal voting by individuals who are not United States citizens. The bill defines the act of voting or attempting to vote by a non-citizen as a felony of the third degree. This move reflects ongoing concerns regarding election integrity and the legal status of individuals participating in the electoral process. By formalizing this prohibition, the legislature aims to bolster the security and legitimacy of elections within Texas, responding to calls for stricter regulations around voting eligibility.

Contention

The introduction of HB804 could spark considerable debate among legislators and constituents alike. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that only eligible voters participate in elections, which is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of democratic processes. Critics, however, may argue that measures like this could disproportionately affect certain communities, particularly immigrant populations, and could lead to intimidation at the polls. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications on voter rights and public access to the electoral system may be scrutinized intensely.