The bill, H.B. No. 1296, 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 specify that individuals wishing to register must submit an application to the county registrar, with the addition of a new Section 13.009 that mandates automatic voter registration for residents who receive a certificate of naturalization. This automatic registration will occur upon notification from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the Department of Public Safety, which will then relay the information to the appropriate county registrar.

Additionally, the bill outlines a procedure for the Department of Public Safety to collaborate with USCIS to ensure timely notifications regarding newly naturalized citizens. If USCIS fails to notify the department, the naturalized citizen 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)