House Bill No. 2082 aims to enhance voter registration and access to voting in Texas by implementing several key amendments to the Election Code. Notably, the bill redefines a "qualified voter" to include individuals with felony convictions who are not currently incarcerated, thereby expanding voter eligibility. It introduces electronic voter registration through the state's official website and establishes automatic voter registration for individuals obtaining or updating their driver's licenses or personal identification cards. Additionally, election officers at polling places will be appointed as regular deputy registrars to facilitate voter registration, and volunteer deputy registrars will be allowed to operate statewide. The bill also allows eligible but unregistered individuals to submit voter registration applications at polling places on election day, provided they present valid identification.

Furthermore, the bill modifies early voting procedures, allowing for electronic submission of mail-in ballot applications and clarifying eligibility criteria for voters in the address confidentiality program. It mandates that counties post detailed election notices online and streamlines the application process for mail-in ballots. The bill also introduces new acceptable forms of voter identification and expands early voting hours, particularly in counties with larger populations. A significant addition is the establishment of an Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, which will oversee the redistricting process to ensure fairness and transparency. The commission will consist of 14 members from diverse backgrounds and will be required to conduct public outreach and hearings. Overall, the bill seeks to improve voter access, streamline voting procedures, and ensure the integrity of elections in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 11.002, Election Code 13.031, Election Code 13.033, Election Code 13.037, Election Code 13.038, Election Code 13.046, Election Code 20.001, Election Code 20.002, Election Code 20.032, Election Code 20.061, Election Code 20.062, Election Code 20.063, Election Code 20.065, Election Code 85.031, Election Code 4.003, Election Code 13.002, Election Code 82.005, Election Code 82.007, Election Code 84.001, Election Code 84.002, Election Code 84.007, Election Code 84.009, Election Code 84.011, Election Code 86.001, Election Code 86.0015, Election Code 86.003, Election Code 86.004, Election Code 86.006, Election Code 86.011, Election Code 86.015, Election Code 87.041, Election Code 102.001, Election Code 12.004, Election Code 19.004, Election Code 85.005, Election Code 33.031, Election Code 42.002, Election Code 63.001, Election Code 63.0101, Election Code 63.011, Election Code 65.054, Election Code 85.006, Election Code 85.007, Election Code 85.062, Election Code 85.064, Election Code 85.068, Election Code 83.002, Election Code 213.013, Government Code 662.003, Government Code 662.021, Election Code 84.032, Election Code 87.0223, Election Code 86.007, Government Code 2058.002, Election Code 13.001 (Election Code 20, Election Code 65, Election Code 83, Election Code 84, Election Code 11, Election Code 13, Election Code 42, Election Code 12, Election Code 85, Government Code 2058, Election Code 19, Election Code 33, Election Code 87, Government Code 662, Election Code 102, Election Code 82, Election Code 213, Election Code 4, Election Code 63, Election Code 86)