H.B. No. 4902 amends the Election Code of Texas to enhance voter registration requirements by mandating proof of citizenship for applicants. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (a-1) to Section 13.002, which requires individuals to submit proof of citizenship alongside their voter registration application. Additionally, a new Section 13.0022 is added to ensure that registrars notify applicants who submit their applications by mail or fax about the citizenship proof requirements. The bill also establishes provisions for the use of publicly available real property information to verify voter addresses and identify potential discrepancies in residency.
Furthermore, the bill allows the Secretary of State to contract with private entities to assist in maintaining the statewide voter registration list, including verifying voter information against national databases and identifying duplicate registrations. It also mandates that any third-party entity providing information about voter eligibility must include specific grounds for their claims. The Secretary of State is tasked with requesting changes to federal voter registration forms to include proof of citizenship requirements, with enforcement measures outlined if compliance is not met. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to applications submitted after this date.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Election Code 13.002 (Election Code 13)