Texas House Bill HB204

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to determining the residence of incarcerated persons.

Impact

The passage of HB204 would have significant implications for redistricting efforts in Texas. By adjusting population counts to exclude incarcerated individuals from the facility locations, the bill aims to produce a more accurate representation of population density and demographics. This measure seeks to counteract the common practice of 'prison gerrymandering,' where incarcerated populations are counted within the jurisdictions of their facilities rather than their last known residences, potentially skewing district populations and voter representation.

Summary

House Bill 204 focuses on determining the residency status of incarcerated persons in Texas. The bill amends various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Election Code to ensure that inmates' residency is not established at the locations of the institutions where they are incarcerated. This means that individuals who were residents outside of these institutions will retain their residency and voting rights at their previous addresses, as long as they are otherwise eligible to vote. Furthermore, it allows inmates without a residence to register to vote at the institution they are held in, under specific conditions.

Contention

Notably, there could be contention surrounding this bill, particularly among political groups. Proponents argue that it protects voting rights and ensures that districts accurately reflect their constituents. However, opponents might assert that this could disadvantage rural areas where prisons are often located, thereby affecting local governance and funding. Additionally, questions arise about the logistics of gathering accurate data for reporting the residency of prisoners, which can be complex considering the confidentiality of the information gathered under the bill.