H.B. No. 5258, known as the "Barbara Jordan Texas Voting Rights Act," seeks to combat racial discrimination in voting by introducing new provisions to the Texas Election Code. The bill establishes Chapter 280, which defines various election methods and introduces the term "Protected Class" to include members of racial, color, or language minority groups. It emphasizes the need for a liberal interpretation of voting rights laws to ensure equitable access for these groups and limits governmental immunities in voting-related claims. The bill also creates the Texas Voting Rights Act Commission, an independent agency tasked with enforcing the act's provisions, conducting investigations, and prohibiting local governments from enacting policies that suppress voter participation.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to prevent vote dilution and enhance voter protection, such as requiring local governments to demonstrate a significant governmental interest before implementing policies that could dilute the votes of protected class members. It mandates a notification process before legal action can be taken against local governments for potential violations and prohibits acts of intimidation or obstruction in voting. The bill also establishes a preclearance process for jurisdictions with a history of voting-related violations, enhances language accessibility for limited English proficient individuals, and creates a Voter Education Fund to support outreach and education efforts. Legal standing is broadened to allow any aggrieved individual or entity to pursue claims, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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