Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB95

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the adoption of the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote.

Impact

If enacted, SB95 would significantly alter the state's electoral procedures. It mandates that Texas joins other states in collectively electing the President by ensuring that its electoral votes reflect the winner of the national popular vote, assuming enough states join the compact to constitute a majority of the electoral votes. This law effectively supersedes Texas's current method of voting, which can diverge from national trends and popular sentiment, potentially enhancing the weight of each citizen's vote in presidential elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 95, also known as the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote, proposes an interstate compact that aims to change the way votes for the President and Vice President of the United States are allocated. Under this bill, Texas would commit to casting its electoral votes for the candidate who wins the national popular vote, rather than the candidate who wins the popular vote within Texas itself. This initiative seeks to align state practices with a more democratic approach to the electoral process, addressing concerns about the inequities of the Electoral College system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB95 is mixed and reflects deeper ideological divides regarding electoral reform. Proponents of the bill view it as a progressive step toward greater electoral fairness and representation, arguing that it addresses the disconnect between popular support and electoral outcomes. Conversely, critics are apprehensive that such a shift undermines the federalist structure of the United States and could lead to a situation where candidates neglect less populous states during campaigns.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding SB95 include concerns about the implications for state rights and the integrity of the Electoral College. Opponents argue this bill could diminish the importance of Texas's votes in presidential elections and create a scenario where the state might be compelled to support a candidate who does not align with the preferences of Texas voters. Additionally, potential issues related to coordination among member states and the logistics of implementing a national popular vote continue to be a highlight of debates surrounding the bill.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

  • Chapter 11. Qualifications And Requirements For Voting
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB237

Very Similar Relating to the adoption of the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1545

National popular vote; interstate agreement

AZ HB2806

Interstate agreement; national popular vote.

AZ SB1338

Interstate agreement; national popular vote

MI HB4156

Elections: other; agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote; enter into. Creates new act.

MI SB0126

Elections: other; agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote; enter into. Creates new act.

SC H3870

The agreement among states to elect the president by national popular vote

AZ SB1485

National popular vote; interstate agreement

AZ HB2194

National popular vote; interstate agreement