86R12350 JRJ-F
By: Bettencourt S.B. No. 1254
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to verification of the citizenship status of certain
registered voters.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 16.0332(a), Election Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(a) After the registrar receives notification [a list]
under Section 18.068 of this code or Section 62.113, Government
Code, of persons excused or disqualified from jury service because
of citizenship status or who have indicated a lack of citizenship
status in connection with a motor vehicle record, the registrar
shall deliver to each registered voter whose name appears on the
list a written notice requiring the voter to submit to the registrar
proof of United States citizenship in the form of a certified copy
of the voter's birth certificate, United States passport, or
certificate of naturalization or any other form prescribed by the
secretary of state. The notice shall be delivered by forwardable
mail to the mailing address on the voter's registration application
and to any new address of the voter known to the registrar.
SECTION 2. Sections 18.068(a) and (b), Election Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) The secretary of state shall quarterly compare the
information received under Section 16.001 of this code, [and]
Section 62.113, Government Code, and Section 730.005(9),
Transportation Code, to the statewide computerized voter
registration list. If the secretary determines that a voter on the
registration list is deceased, [or] has been excused or
disqualified from jury service because the voter is not a citizen,
or has indicated the voter is not a citizen in connection with a
motor vehicle record, the secretary shall send notice of the
determination to the voter registrar of the counties considered
appropriate by the secretary.
(b) The secretary of state shall by rule determine what
information combinations identified as common to a voter and to an
individual for whom the secretary of state has received information
under this section [who is deceased] constitute a weak match or a
strong match in order to:
(1) produce the least possible impact on Texas voters;
and
(2) fulfill its responsibility to manage the voter
rolls.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2019.