The bill amends the Election Code in Texas to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. It introduces new subsections to Section 13.002, mandating that applicants submit specific documents, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers, to verify their citizenship status. Additionally, a new section, 13.0391, outlines the responsibilities of volunteer deputy registrars in informing applicants about these requirements and the consequences of failing to provide proof, which includes being limited to voting only a federal ballot. The bill also establishes a verification process for registrars to confirm citizenship status using various databases, and it classifies offenses related to non-compliance as state jail felonies.

Moreover, the bill stipulates that voters who have previously provided proof of citizenship are exempt from resubmitting documentation when updating their registration. It introduces a notation system for voters whose citizenship has not been verified, indicating their eligibility to vote only on a limited federal ballot. The bill requires notices sent to voters regarding their ballots to include specific statements based on their citizenship verification status. Additionally, it mandates the Secretary of State to adopt rules for implementing these changes and requests the federal Election Assistance Commission to modify mail voter registration application requirements to include proof of citizenship. 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 111, Election Code 13, Election Code 15)
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 111, Election Code 13, Election Code 15)
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 111, Election Code 13, Election Code 15)
House 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 111, Election Code 13, Election Code 15)