Texas House Bill HB1002

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the issuance of a receipt by the Department of Public Safety to an applicant for a driver's license or personal identification certificate that may be used to show proof of voter registration.

Impact

By incorporating a process for issuing transaction receipts, HB1002 impacts state laws concerning voter registration and electoral participation. The bill modifies existing provisions in the Election Code to ensure that individuals can demonstrate their registration status effectively. It directly affects how provisional ballots are handled, providing a safety net for voters whose names are not on the registered list at the time of voting. This change is expected to enhance the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 1002 aims to streamline the process of voter registration by requiring the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to issue a transaction receipt to individuals who apply for a driver's license or personal identification certificate. This receipt serves as immediate proof of a submitted voter registration application, facilitating voter participation and easing concerns over voter registration compliance. The bill also stipulates that election officers and registrars must recognize the receipt as valid proof during elections, particularly for those casting provisional ballots.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation and practicality of recognizing transaction receipts as proof of voter registration during elections. While supporters argue that it will reduce confusion and encourage voter participation, critics may raise concerns regarding the potential for misuse or the administrative burden on election officials to ensure compliance with the new procedures. The balance between facilitating voter access and maintaining election integrity will be a key focus of the discussion surrounding this bill.