H.B. No. 219 amends the Texas Election Code to require individuals applying to register to vote to submit proof of U.S. citizenship. Specifically, the bill adds new subsections to Section 13.002, mandating that applicants present proof of citizenship when submitting their registration application, either in person or through mail or fax. Acceptable forms of proof include a Texas driver's license compliant with the federal REAL ID program, a Texas identification card, a birth certificate, an unexpired U.S. passport, or certificates of naturalization or citizenship issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 13.0022, which outlines the process for handling applications submitted by mail or fax that lack proof of citizenship. In such cases, the registrar is required to notify the applicant of the citizenship requirements and provide instructions for compliance. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to applications submitted after that date, with prior applications governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.002 (Election Code 13)