House Bill No. 3215 amends the Election Code of Texas to clarify the qualifications for voters who are on parole or mandatory supervision. The bill defines a "qualified voter" as someone who is at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, not mentally incapacitated, and a resident of Texas. A significant change in the bill is the modification of the criteria regarding felony convictions. It specifies that individuals who have been convicted of a felony can register to vote if they have completed their sentence, including any term of community supervision or probation, or if they have been released on parole or mandatory supervision.

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that individuals must have fully discharged their sentence, including parole, to be eligible to vote. This change aims to expand voting rights to those who are currently on parole or mandatory supervision, thereby allowing a broader segment of the population to participate in elections. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 11.002, Election Code 13.001 (Election Code 13, Election Code 11)