Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB51

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

Caption

Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

Impact

If enacted, SB51 will clarify the procedures regarding how voters can participate in elections despite discrepancies in their registered addresses. The proposed changes would stipulate that voters must execute a statement affirming their residence requirements when presenting for voting. This is expected to facilitate a smoother voting experience, particularly for individuals who move within their counties and may not have updated their registration information promptly.

Summary

SB51 proposes amendments to the Texas Election Code concerning the acceptance of voters whose residence addresses are not current and the immediate effects related to voter registration following address changes. The bill intends to streamline the voting process for individuals who may have changed their residence within the same county, allowing them to vote in their registered precinct even if their address listed in the voter registration is outdated. This aims to reduce barriers for voters and enhance participation in elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB51 may arise from disagreements regarding voter eligibility and the verification process for residency. While supporters may argue that these changes are necessary to ensure that more individuals can participate in elections without unnecessary obstacles, opponents might raise concerns about potential abuses of the system. They may question whether it adequately protects against fraudulent voting and whether the new procedures could complicate or obscure the registration process further.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

  • Chapter 15. General Administration Of Registration
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 63. Accepting Voter
    • Section: 0011

Companion Bills

TX HB296

Same As Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

TX HB295

Identical Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

TX HB297

Similar To Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

TX SB54

Same As Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

TX HB29

Identical Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

TX HB305

Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2217

Relating to certain election practices and procedures.

TX HB5101

Relating to the cancellation of all voter registrations following each presidential election; making conforming changes to voter registration and maintenance procedures; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB4329

Relating to the residence address of an applicant for purposes of voter registration.

TX HB3936

Relating to the cancellation of all voter registrations following each presidential election; making conforming changes to voter registration and maintenance procedures.

TX HB614

Relating to the procedures for voting after changing residence to another county.

TX SB1070

Relating to the date on which a voter registration application becomes effective.

TX HB951

Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2646

Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB676

Relating to the procedures for voting after changing residence to another county.

TX HB239

Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.