Texas House Bill HB3140

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of certain registration information by the voter registrar.

Impact

The intended consequence of enacting HB 3140 is to strike a balance between the privacy of voters and the operational needs of the electoral process in Texas. By allowing the dissemination of necessary information for the recruitment of election workers, the bill seeks to enhance the functionality of electoral proceedings while looking out for voter confidentiality. This change could lead to more streamlined processes in recruiting election officials while ensuring that personal data remains secure from unnecessary public exposure.

Summary

House Bill 3140 amends Section 13.004 of the Election Code concerning the disclosure of certain voter registration information. This legislation aims to ensure that the personal information related to voter registration is primarily protected from public disclosure. However, it establishes specific circumstances under which certain registration information can be disclosed to facilitate the recruitment of election judges and clerks. The implication here is that while individual privacy is being prioritized, the need for effective electoral administration is also being upheld through this information sharing.

Contention

One notable point in the discussions surrounding HB 3140 may involve debates about the adequacy of protections in place for voter registration information. Critics could express concern that even with certain information being excluded from general disclosure, there still exists potential for misuse or inadequate safeguarding of sensitive data. Proponents of the bill, however, would argue that the transparent recruitment of election workers is vital for maintaining electoral integrity and providing the necessary workforce to facilitate elections.