Texas Senate Bill SB1602

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Election Code, which will directly influence how voter registration and voting processes are managed across the state. Notably, it establishes that all applicants must present proof of citizenship—such as a valid passport or birth certificate—when registering to vote. This shift is intended to tighten voter eligibility criteria and reduce fraudulent voting practices. It could potentially impact thousands of voters, especially those who may lack proper documentation or face difficulties in providing proof.

Summary

SB1602 focuses on enhancing election integrity in Texas by instituting new criminal offenses tied to voting violations and imposing civil penalties for failure to comply with voter registration regulations. The bill aims to clarify voting processes, enforce compliance, and ensure that only eligible citizens participate in elections. Among its provisions, SB1602 includes stringent requirements for proof of citizenship when submitting voter registration applications, thereby emphasizing identification verification.

Contention

Despite its intentions, SB1602 has sparked considerable debate among legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that such measures are crucial for maintaining the integrity of elections, while opponents contend that these requirements might disenfranchise eligible voters, especially marginalized populations. Critics have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing these new measures and the financial implications of potential civil penalties on local registrars who fail to comply with the stringent rules laid out by the state.