S.B. No. 16 amends the Texas Election Code to require proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote. It specifically modifies Section 13.002 to mandate that applicants submit proof of citizenship, which can include documents such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers. New subsections (a-1) and (a-2) detail acceptable forms of proof and allow applicants to submit this documentation to the Department of Public Safety. The bill also introduces Section 13.0391, which requires volunteer deputy registrars to inform applicants about the necessity of proof of citizenship and the consequences of failing to provide it, including limitations on voting. Additionally, the bill establishes verification processes for registrars and introduces penalties for non-compliance, including the rejection of applications that do not meet the new requirements.

The legislation further outlines procedures for voters whose citizenship status has not been verified, allowing them to vote using a limited federal ballot while requiring proof of citizenship within a specified timeframe for their votes to be fully counted. It mandates that notices regarding ballots must include statements based on the status of citizenship verification, providing clear instructions for voters on how to rectify issues related to their citizenship status. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules for implementation and requests the federal Election Assistance Commission to modify mail voter registration application requirements to include documented proof of citizenship. If the Commission does not comply within 180 days, the Attorney General is authorized to seek legal enforcement. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.002, Election Code 13.072, Election Code 13.121, Election Code 13.122, Election Code 15.021, Election Code 111.001 (Election Code 15, Election Code 111, Election Code 13)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 13.002, Election Code 13.072, Election Code 13.121, Election Code 13.122, Election Code 15.021, Election Code 111.001 (Election Code 15, Election Code 111, Election Code 13)
Engrossed: Election Code 13.002, Election Code 13.072, Election Code 13.121, Election Code 13.122, Election Code 15.021, Election Code 111.001 (Election Code 15, Election Code 111, Election Code 13)