Bill > HB1312

This bill modifies Texas election law to require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote, with the goal of verifying voter eligibility. Specifically, the bill amends the Election Code to mandate that individuals seeking voter registration must submit documentation proving their citizenship, to the extent permitted by federal law, including the National Voter Registration Act and a relevant Supreme Court case (Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.). The secretary of state is tasked with developing rules for implementing this citizenship proof requirement and must request that the federal Election Assistance Commission modify the national mail voter registration application to include a documented proof of citizenship requirement by January 1, 2026. If the federal commission does not comply within 180 days of the request, the attorney general is instructed to seek legal enforcement. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving state and federal agencies time to prepare for the new documentation requirements. This legislation aims to add an additional layer of voter eligibility verification by requiring applicants to demonstrate their U.S. citizenship status when registering to vote in Texas.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1312