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Bill > SB16


TX SB16

TX SB16
Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote, including the eligibility of certain voters to vote a limited federal ballot if the voter cannot supply the required proof and the procedures for the counting of those ballots; creating criminal offenses.


summary

Introduced
03/11/2025
In Committee
05/25/2025
Crossed Over
04/01/2025
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.

AI Summary

This bill would significantly modify Texas voter registration requirements by mandating that individuals provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Specifically, applicants must submit documentation such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, citizenship papers, or other official documents verifying their citizenship status. If an applicant cannot immediately prove citizenship, they will be allowed to vote only a limited federal ballot that only counts for federal congressional races. The bill creates new criminal offenses for knowingly registering to vote while not being a U.S. citizen and requires election officials to verify citizenship through multiple government databases. The registrar must mark voters who have not proven citizenship with an "F" notation, limiting their ballot options. The bill also requires the secretary of state to review existing voter registrations by December 2025 to verify the citizenship of previously registered voters, with those unable to be verified restricted to limited federal ballots. Additionally, the attorney general is tasked with investigating potential illegal voter registrations and can prosecute such cases if local authorities do not act within 180 days. The new requirements will take effect on September 1, 2025, and aim to enhance the integrity of voter registration by ensuring only U.S. citizens can fully participate in elections.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (73)

Paul Bettencourt (R)* Brian Birdwell (R)* Donna Campbell (R)* Brandon Creighton (R)* Pete Flores (R)* Brent Hagenbuch (R)* Bob Hall (R)* Kelly Hancock (R)* Adam Hinojosa (R)* Joan Huffman (R)* Bryan Hughes (R)* Carrie Isaac (R)* Phil King (R)* Lois Kolkhorst (R)* Mayes Middleton (R)* Robert Nichols (R)* Tan Parker (R)* Angela Paxton (R)* Charles Perry (R)* Charles Schwertner (R)* Kevin Sparks (R)* Daniel Alders (R),  Jeffrey Barry (R),  Cecil Bell (R),  Keith Bell (R),  Ben Bumgarner (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  David Cook (R),  Charles Cunningham (R),  Drew Darby (R),  Jay Dean (R),  Mano DeAyala (R),  Mark Dorazio (R),  James Frank (R),  Gary Gates (R),  Stan Gerdes (R),  Ryan Guillen (R),  Cody Harris (R),  Richard Hayes (R),  Cole Hefner (R),  Todd Hunter (R),  Helen Kerwin (R),  Marc LaHood (R),  Brooks Landgraf (R),  Terri Leo-Wilson (R),  Mitch Little (R),  Janie Lopez (R),  A.J. Louderback (R),  John Lujan (R),  Shelley Luther (R),  Don McLaughlin (R),  Will Metcalf (R),  Morgan Meyer (R),  Brent Money (R),  Tom Oliverson (R),  Angelia Orr (R),  Jared Patterson (R),  Dennis Paul (R),  Katrina Pierson (R),  Joanne Shofner (R),  Shelby Slawson (R),  John Smithee (R),  David Spiller (R),  Valoree Swanson (R),  Carl Tepper (R),  Tony Tinderholt (R),  Steve Toth (R),  Gary VanDeaver (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Denise Villalobos (R),  Wesley Virdell (R),  Trey Wharton (R),  Terry Wilson (R), 

Last Action

Committee report sent to Calendars (on 05/25/2025)

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