Bill > HB1296

This bill aims to streamline the voter registration process for naturalized United States citizens in Texas by introducing automatic voter registration upon receiving a certificate of naturalization. Specifically, the bill requires county voter registrars to automatically register eligible residents when they are issued a naturalization certificate by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To facilitate this process, the Department of Public Safety is tasked with establishing a cooperative procedure with USCIS to receive notifications about newly naturalized citizens. If USCIS fails to notify the Department of Public Safety, the newly naturalized citizen can personally present their naturalization certificate to the county registrar, who is then obligated to assist them in registering to vote. The bill modifies the existing Election Code by adding a new section (Section 13.009) that outlines these procedures, and the secretary of state is authorized to adopt rules to implement the new registration process. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing ample time for government agencies to prepare for the implementation of this new automatic voter registration method for naturalized citizens.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1296