Texas House Bill HB1407

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the comparison of any list of the legal status of certain persons who are not citizens to the list of registered voters.

Impact

If enacted, HB1407 would significantly alter the procedures for voter registration verification in Texas. By mandating a quarterly comparison between registered voters and federal immigration data, the bill would empower the Secretary of State to take actions against individuals who are found to be ineligible due to their immigration status. This could potentially lead to increased scrutiny and challenges against certain voters, particularly impacting communities with high immigrant populations.

Summary

House Bill 1407 proposes amendments to the Election Code of Texas to allow the Secretary of State to obtain and compare information regarding individuals who are not U.S. citizens against the statewide voter registration database. Specifically, the bill facilitates the identification of non-citizens who may be registered to vote, including those who have received deferrals from deportation or have been granted amnesty under federal law. This initiative is aimed at maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only eligible voters participate in elections.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to prevent voter fraud and to ensure that the electoral system is not compromised. On the other hand, opponents express concerns that the bill may disproportionately target and alienate non-citizen communities, undermining voter confidence and participation. Critics view the bill as an overreach that could lead to disenfranchisement, particularly among lawful residents who may be wrongly identified as ineligible to vote due to their immigration status.