Texas House Bill HB151

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the assistance of voters; increasing a penalty.

Impact

The amendments proposed by HB 151 escalate penalties associated with violations of the new provisions. Specifically, if an individual is found guilty of violating the assistance rules outlined in Section 64.034 of the Election Code on three or more occasions within a single election, the offense is elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony. This means that offenders could face significantly harsher penalties, which proponents argue will deter illegal assistance and enhance the integrity of elections within Texas.

Summary

House Bill 151 introduces amendments to the Election Code and the Penal Code focused on the assistance provided to voters at polling places. Specifically, the bill mandates that individuals selected to assist voters must take an oath affirming that they will not influence the voter's decision in any way. They are allowed to answer questions, explain voting propositions, and assist with ballot preparation as directed by the voter. This provision is intended to ensure that voters receive impartial assistance and protect the sanctity of the electoral process.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by safeguarding voters from undue influence, it has sparked discussions around the implications of strict penalties. Critics may argue that escalating penalties could disproportionately affect volunteer helpers or community members attempting to assist their neighbors during elections. These sentiments point towards a need for balancing election security with accessibility to electoral support, indicating a clear divide between ensuring a fair voting environment and the potential chilling effects on legitimate voter assistance.