Texas House Bill HB162

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the use of information from the lists of noncitizens and nonresidents excused or disqualified from jury service.

Impact

The proposed amendments under HB 162 will significantly affect state laws pertaining to voter registration and jury service qualifications. By facilitating the identification and notification process regarding individuals excused from jury duty due to citizenship issues, this bill would enable authorities to take necessary actions in instances of potential electoral fraud. Furthermore, it increases the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and local registrars in monitoring voter eligibility, potentially reshaping the administrative processes surrounding election integrity efforts in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 162 seeks to amend existing legislation concerning the use of data regarding individuals who have been excused or disqualified from serving on juries due to their citizenship status. Specifically, the bill mandates a procedure for the Secretary of State to regularly compare information from various government codes with the statewide computerized voter registration list. These comparisons aim to ensure that voters who are noncitizens or nonresidents are properly identified and removed from the voter rolls, thereby enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 162 relates to concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the potential misuse of the information compiled under the provisions of the bill. Critics may argue that this legislation could lead to erroneous removal of eligible voters from the registration rolls, especially among populations that are marginalized or less informed about their voting rights. Additionally, the implications of thoroughly investigating individuals based on their jury disqualification status raises ethical questions about privacy and the integrity of the classification systems used to determine eligibility.