TX
Texas House Bill HB3643

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3643

Caption

Relating to the assistance of voters; increasing a penalty.

Impact

The bill introduces a nuanced approach to addressing violations of the regulations surrounding voter assistance, specifically by increasing penalties for offenses. Under the new amendments, repeated violations of the assistance provisions can escalate the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony if the violation occurs three or more times within a single election. This change reinforces stricter accountability among those assisting voters and is intended to deter misconduct during elections.

Summary

House Bill 3643 relates to the assistance of voters during elections by amending the Election Code to clarify the oath required for individuals providing assistance. The bill mandates that anyone selected to help a voter must take an oath affirming that they will not influence the voter's choice, provide answers to questions, and will not be an employer or associated with a labor union to the voter. This aims to ensure that assistance is provided impartially and objectively, reinforcing the integrity of the voting process.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 3643 is the balance between ensuring voter assistance and maintaining the sanctity of the voting process. Supporters believe that stricter penalties are essential to deter bad behavior and protect voters from potential coercion or undue influence. However, critics may argue that the measures could discourage individuals from volunteering to assist voters, especially if they fear potential criminal repercussions. This dialogue underscores the complexities involved in legislating voter assistance and the broader implications for civic engagement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2433

Relating to certain election practices and procedures; increasing a criminal penalty; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB5234

Relating to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a penalty, increasing a penalty.

TX SB1911

Relating to election supplies and the conduct of elections; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB3748

Relating to ensuring access to the right to vote by all eligible voters.

TX HB1243

Relating to the penalty for the offense of illegal voting; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB4164

Relating to the improper use and treatment of an assistance animal or service animal; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB432

Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for theft of a catalytic converter; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.