Texas House Bill HB188

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the enforcement by the secretary of state of certain voter roll maintenance provisions; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The bill mandates that the Secretary of State actively monitor voter registrars, requiring them to attend training for the first violation, conduct audits for the second, and potentially face civil penalties if repeated violations occur. By imposing a civil penalty of $1,000 for each day of non-compliance after a specified period, the legislation aims to incentivize prompt action from registrars in maintaining accurate voter rolls. This could lead to more robust maintenance of voter registration records, contributing to fairer elections.

Summary

House Bill 188, known as a measure relating to voter roll maintenance provisions enforced by the Secretary of State, proposes a structured system for ensuring compliance among voter registrars. It introduces mechanisms for the Secretary of State to monitor and enforce adherence to specified regulations within the Election Code. Notably, the bill outlines specific penalties for non-compliance, creating a framework aimed at enhancing the integrity of voter registration processes across the state.

Contention

However, the introduction of civil penalties and more stringent monitoring has sparked concerns about administrative burden and potential financial implications for counties. Critics argue that imposing fines may strain local resources and could be seen as punitive rather than supportive. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the balance between enforcing compliance and providing the necessary guidance and training for registrars to effectively perform their duties.