H.B. No. 5337 introduces significant changes to voter registration in Texas by requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship when applying to register to vote. The bill amends Section 13.002 of the Election Code, mandating that applicants submit documents such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers alongside their registration application. If an applicant's citizenship cannot be verified, they will only be eligible to vote using a limited federal ballot. The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of volunteer deputy registrars and establishes procedures for verifying citizenship status through various databases. Additionally, it creates criminal offenses for failing to comply with these new requirements, classifying such failures as state jail felonies.

The bill further 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 status remains unverified, indicating their eligibility for limited federal ballots only. Notices sent to voters regarding their ballots must reflect their citizenship verification status, providing clear instructions for rectifying any issues. The Secretary of State is tasked with implementing these changes and is authorized to request modifications to federal 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 15, Election Code 13)
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 15, Election Code 13)