The bill amends the Election Code to establish new eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to serve as volunteer deputy registrars in Texas. It specifies that candidates must be at least 18 years old, must not have been finally convicted of a felony (unless they have fully discharged their sentence or received a pardon), and must meet the qualifications of a voter, although they do not need to be a registered voter. Additionally, the bill introduces new restrictions, stating that individuals who have been finally convicted of certain offenses, specifically under Section 32.51 of the Penal Code or during their duties as a volunteer deputy registrar, are ineligible. Furthermore, individuals currently charged with a felony or the specified offenses at the time of their appointment are also disqualified.

The bill also clarifies the conditions under which an appointment as a volunteer deputy registrar can be terminated. It removes the previous language regarding termination and replaces it with specific circumstances: the appointment ends upon the expiration of the term, upon final conviction for certain offenses, or when the individual is charged with an offense allegedly committed while performing their duties. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.031 (Election Code 13)
House Committee Report: Election Code 13.031, Election Code 13.036 (Election Code 13)