Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB486

Introduced
1/24/23  

Caption

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to allow an individual who is not a U.S. citizen to vote in any election in the District of Columbia (DC). Further, DC must certify that it does not allow noncitizens to vote in elections as a condition of receiving any federal funds. Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

Impact

If enacted, HB486 would impose strict conditions on the District of Columbia regarding its voting laws, particularly concerning noncitizen voting. The bill requires that the DC government certifies compliance with the prohibition on noncitizen voting as a precondition for receiving federal funds. This imposes a financial incentive for local authorities to align their voting regulations with the federal framework, potentially restricting existing local policies that allow for broader voting rights.

Summary

House Bill 486 seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds by the District of Columbia to enable individuals who are not U.S. citizens to vote in any elections. This legislation is a direct response to a bill passed by the DC Council in October 2022 that permitted noncitizens, under certain conditions, to participate in local elections. The introduction of HB486 highlights significant contention surrounding voting rights and citizenship, particularly as it relates to local governance versus federal oversight.

Contention

The primary point of contention surrounding HB486 arises from the differing views on the voting rights of noncitizens. Supporters argue that the bill protects the integrity of elections by ensuring that only citizens can vote, while opponents view it as an infringement on local autonomy and a step backward in the pursuit of inclusive electoral practices. The debate also reflects broader national discussions on immigration and citizen participation in democracy.

Last_action

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on January 24, 2023, indicating the ongoing legislative process it will undergo.

Companion Bills

US SB12

Identical bill This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to allow an individual who is not a U.S. citizen to vote in any election in the District of Columbia (DC). Further, DC must certify that it does not allow noncitizens to vote in elections as a condition of receiving any federal funds. Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

Previously Filed As

US SB12

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to allow an individual who is not a U.S. citizen to vote in any election in the District of Columbia (DC). Further, DC must certify that it does not allow noncitizens to vote in elections as a condition of receiving any federal funds. Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

US HB192

This bill prohibits an individual who is not a U.S. citizen from voting in any elections in the District of Columbia (DC). Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.

US HB149

Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being made available to state or local governments that allow noncitizens to vote in federal, state, or local elections.

US HB487

Ensuring American Voters Act of 2023 This bill prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in federal elections unless the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

US HB884

To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022.

US HB156

Restoring Faith in Elections Act This bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters. First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day. Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both. Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election. Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs. It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification. Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.

US HJR40

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit voting in Federal, State, or local elections by individuals who are not citizens of the United States.

US HB466

Securing America's Elections Act of 2023 This bill requires voting systems for federal elections to produce paper ballots that the voter may inspect and verify before the vote is cast and counted. The bill also (1) requires the paper ballot to be suitable for manual audits, (2) prescribes approved methods for such audits, and (3) directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Election Assistance Commission to report on the desirability of using open-source software in voting systems.

US HB4396

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act

US HB738

Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025This bill expands voting by mail in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits states from imposing on eligible voters additional conditions or requirements to cast ballots by mail in federal elections, except states may impose a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials and for returning a ballot.The bill also requires states to provide individuals with notice and opportunity to cure discrepancies or defects with their absentee or mail-in ballots.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.