Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1410

Caption

Relating to election integrity; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties; imposing a civil penalty; imposing a fee.

Impact

The implications of SB1410 are significant for both voters and election officials. By tightening the rules around eligibility and criminalizing actions that could compromise the integrity of the voting process, the bill aims to enhance trust in electoral outcomes. However, this may also lead to increased challenges for voters, particularly among those who face difficulties with citizenship verification, as the bill requires proof of eligibility that may disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

Summary

SB1410 addresses election integrity by establishing stricter regulations surrounding voter eligibility and the handling of ballots. This bill introduces new criminal offenses for various activities pertaining to voting, such as allowing ineligible individuals to cast votes or assisting voters in ways that do not comply with legal standards. It explicitly makes offenses related to voter eligibility and ballot management punishable with increased penalties, including felony charges for serious violations.

Contention

Debate around SB1410 has centered on concerns about potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters and the enforcement of stricter voter ID laws. Critics argue that the bill's measures could create unnecessary hurdles for voters, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or belong to minority groups. Supporters claim that such regulations are necessary to ensure the integrity of elections and prevent fraud. The tension between ensuring both access and security in the voting process remains a contentious issue within legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

TX SB1911

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

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 SB2433

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

TX HB4481

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.