Texas House Bill HB329

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to election integrity.

Impact

If enacted, HB 329 would implement significant changes to how voter registration is managed in Texas. The Secretary of State is tasked with utilizing federal databases to monitor and verify the citizenship status of registered voters, which would tighten controls and potentially result in the removal of certain individuals from the voter rolls. This measure aligns with broader national discussions on election security, reflecting a bipartisan push for reforms perceived as necessary to uphold the integrity of election processes.

Summary

House Bill 329 focuses on strengthening election integrity measures in Texas by addressing concerns around noncitizen voter registration and voting. The bill proposes several amendments to the Election Code, primarily aimed at ensuring that individuals who are not U.S. citizens do not participate in the voting process. Key provisions include the establishment of a protocol whereby the Secretary of State will regularly audit voter registrations against federal noncitizen databases, potentially leading to the cancellation of registrations deemed ineligible.

Contention

The introduction of this bill has sparked debate regarding its implications for voter access and the potential for disenfranchisement. Critics may argue that while the intent to secure elections is laudable, such measures could disproportionately affect eligible voters, particularly among minority communities. Furthermore, the increased responsibilities placed on the Secretary of State and local election officials to enforce these regulations could lead to operational challenges and questions regarding the fairness of the electoral process.