House Bill No. 2082 seeks to improve voter registration and access to voting in Texas through several key amendments to the Election Code. Notably, the bill redefines "qualified voter" to allow individuals with felony convictions to vote if they are not currently incarcerated. It introduces electronic voter registration, enabling individuals to register online, and establishes automatic voter registration for those obtaining or updating their driver's licenses. The bill also mandates that election officers at polling places serve as deputy registrars to facilitate voter registration and expands the list of state agencies designated as voter registration agencies. Additionally, it allows for the registration of eligible voters at polling places and streamlines early voting procedures, including electronic submission of applications and new identification requirements.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, which will oversee the redistricting process to ensure transparency and impartiality. It outlines the commission's responsibilities, including public outreach and the requirement to conduct open meetings. The bill also amends voter registration eligibility to allow individuals who will be 18 by the next general election to register for primary elections. It repeals several existing provisions and sets a timeline for implementation, with most changes taking effect on September 1, 2025, contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment regarding the commission and voting eligibility for those under 18. Overall, the bill aims to enhance voter participation, streamline voting processes, and ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws.

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 (Government Code 2058, Election Code 213, Election Code 12, Election Code 84, Government Code 662, Election Code 102, Election Code 63, Election Code 42, Election Code 85, Election Code 4, Election Code 33, Election Code 20, Election Code 65, Election Code 11, Election Code 82, Election Code 87, Election Code 83, Election Code 19, Election Code 13, Election Code 86)