The bill, S.B. No. 146, aims to streamline the voter registration process for naturalized United States citizens in Texas. It amends Section 13.002(a) of the Election Code to clarify that individuals wishing to register to vote must submit an application to the county registrar, with the exception of provisions outlined in the newly added Section 13.009. This new section mandates that county voter registrars automatically register residents who are eligible to vote upon the issuance of their naturalization certificate by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Additionally, the bill establishes a cooperative procedure between the Department of Public Safety and USCIS to ensure timely notification of naturalization certificates. If the notification does not occur, newly naturalized citizens can present their certificate directly to the county registrar, who is required to assist them in the registration process. The secretary of state is also granted the authority to adopt necessary rules for implementing this section. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.002, Subchapter A, Chapter , Election Code 13.143 (Subchapter A, Chapter , Election Code 13, Election Code 13)