H.B. No. 5258, known as the "Barbara Jordan Texas Voting Rights Act," aims to combat racial discrimination in voting by introducing new provisions within the Election Code. The bill establishes Chapter 280, which defines various election methods and introduces the term "Protected Class" to refer to citizens from racial, color, or language minority groups. It emphasizes the need for equitable access to voting for these groups and mandates that local governments and state agencies cannot implement election policies that create material disparities in voting opportunities for protected classes without demonstrating a compelling governmental interest. The bill also prohibits voter suppression and vote dilution practices, detailing specific actions that would not be exempt from this prohibition.

Additionally, the bill creates the Texas Voting Rights Act Commission, an independent agency responsible for enforcing the act's provisions, conducting investigations, and bringing legal actions against violations. It outlines a preclearance process for local governments with a history of voting rights violations, requiring them to seek approval from the Commission before implementing certain policies. The bill also enhances language accessibility for limited English proficient individuals, establishes a Voter Education Fund to support outreach and education efforts, and broadens legal standing for individuals or entities to pursue claims related to voting rights violations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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