Bill > SB631

This bill modifies Texas Election Code provisions related to voter qualifications for individuals with felony convictions by changing the eligibility requirements. Specifically, the bill removes the previous language that required a person with a felony conviction to have fully discharged their entire sentence, completed probation, or been pardoned, and replaces it with a simpler condition that a person with a felony conviction is not currently incarcerated for that offense. This means that individuals with felony convictions would be able to register to vote and be considered a qualified voter once they are no longer in prison, even if they are still on parole or probation. The bill affects two sections of the Election Code (Sections 11.002 and 13.001) and would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the necessary immediate-effect votes. The goal appears to be to make voting rights restoration more accessible for people with felony convictions who have been released from prison.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB631