Texas Senate Bill SB1929

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the duties of the secretary of state relating to voter registration.

Impact

This legislation introduces several changes aimed at enhancing the verification of citizenship for voter registration applicants. Under the bill, the Secretary of State is responsible for confirming the citizenship status of applicants with the Department of Public Safety. This change is expected to improve the integrity of the voter registration process and ensure that only eligible individuals are registered to vote. However, it may also complicate the process for applicants, especially those needing to provide additional documentation.

Summary

Senate Bill 1929 is focused on revising the duties of the Secretary of State regarding voter registration processes in Texas. It stipulates that the Secretary of State serves as the voter registrar for every county to facilitate and maintain the list of registered voters. The bill mandates the adoption of rules to transition voter registration duties from local registrars to the Secretary of State and aims to streamline the registration process across counties in Texas.

Contention

Debate around SB 1929 is likely to center on issues of accessibility and potential barriers to voter registration. While proponents argue that strengthening verification measures is essential for maintaining electoral integrity, critics may raise concerns about the implications for voter turnout and the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters. The requirement for in-person proof of citizenship may disproportionately affect certain populations, particularly those living in remote areas or individuals without immediate access to the necessary identification documents.