Bill > SB977

This bill establishes a new electronic voter registration program in Texas that requires the secretary of state to collaborate with the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Information Resources to create an online voter registration system. The system will allow people to complete voter registration applications via the state's official website, with different requirements depending on whether the applicant has a valid Texas driver's license or personal identification card. For those with an unexpired state ID, applicants must attest to the information's truth and consent to using their existing ID signature; for those without a state ID, applicants must digitally sign their application. The bill mandates several security measures, including obtaining a digital signature from the Department of Public Safety, displaying a warning about voter registration fraud, and using the state electronic internet portal to authenticate an applicant's identity and address. The secretary of state is required to develop rules to ensure the accuracy and integrity of electronically submitted applications, and the system will treat electronic applications as equivalent to mail-in applications. The new electronic voter registration system is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing time for implementation and testing of the online registration platform.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB977