Texas Senate Bill SB1611

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a voter registrar's compliance with certain laws and secretary of state rules; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

A significant change introduced by SB1611 is the establishment of a criminal offense for registrars who fail to correct compliance violations within a specified timeframe. The bill stipulates that any registrar who does not address a violation within 30 days of receiving a notice will commit a state jail felony. This aspect of the bill seeks to encourage prompt compliance and to deter intentional negligence regarding voter registration responsibilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1611 is aimed at ensuring greater compliance among voter registrars with existing election laws and regulations set forth by the secretary of state. The bill amends Section 18.065 of the Election Code, introducing a framework for regular monitoring of each registrar to ensure substantial compliance with specific sections of the election law. This move is intended to enhance accountability and transparency in the voter registration process by mandating that registrars adhere to the guidelines provided.

Challenges

On the other hand, some critics express concerns regarding the potential harshness of penalizing registrars with felony charges for what may be administrative errors. They worry that the threat of criminal repercussions could lead to excessive caution among registrars, potentially hindering efforts to facilitate voter registration. The discussion around this legislation reflects ongoing tensions in balancing election integrity with the operational realities of administering voter registration.

Contention

Notably, the bill's implications have sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that enhancing compliance among voter registrars is essential for maintaining the integrity of the election process. They believe that the criminalization of non-compliance serves as a necessary deterrent against manipulation or negligence in voter registration.