H.B. No. 219 amends the Texas Election Code to require individuals applying to register to vote to submit proof of citizenship alongside their application. Specifically, the bill adds new subsections to Section 13.002, mandating that applicants present proof of U.S. citizenship either in person to the county registrar or to a Department of Public Safety employee if the application is submitted by mail or fax. The bill outlines acceptable forms of proof, including a Texas driver's license compliant with the federal REAL ID program, a birth certificate, a 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 requires registrars to notify applicants who submit their registration by mail or fax without proof of citizenship. This notice will inform them of the requirements they must fulfill to complete their registration. 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 at the time of submission.

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