Texas House Bill HB584

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to automatic voter registration on issuance or change of a driver's license or identification card by the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The implementation of HB 584 is expected to significantly impact state laws related to voter registration procedures. The bill amends existing sections of the Election Code, specifically Sections 13.001, 20.061, and others to create a more integrated system where changes in personal identification status automatically trigger a voter registration update, unless the individual specifies otherwise. This could lead to increased voter registration rates and aims to remove barriers that complicate the registration process.

Summary

House Bill 584 pertains to the automatic registration of voters through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Texas. The bill proposes that any resident eligible to vote, when issued or changing their Texas driver's license or personal identification card, will automatically be registered to vote. This streamlined process is designed to enhance voter participation by simplifying the registration process at the time of obtaining or updating identification with the DPS.

Contention

Notably, while HB 584 may receive support for its intent to encourage civic engagement, it could also face criticism surrounding concerns about data privacy and the accuracy of automatic registrations. Some may argue that automatic voter registration might inadvertently lead to erroneous registrations or complications in maintaining up-to-date voter rolls. Additionally, opinions may vary on the implications regarding the treatment of those who may not wish to be automatically registered, highlighting the need for clear opt-out provisions within the bill.