H.B. No. 279 amends the Election Code in Texas to update the acceptable forms of photo identification required for voting. The bill specifies that acceptable forms of ID must be issued to the "voter" rather than a "person," reflecting a more direct reference to the individual casting the vote. It retains existing forms of identification such as a driver's license, military ID, and passport, while also adding new categories. These include an official Native American identification card or tribal document, an identification card from a higher education institution in Texas, and an identification card issued by a state agency, all of which must contain the voter's photograph.

The bill also clarifies that all forms of identification must not be expired or must have expired no earlier than four years before the date of presentation. This legislation aims to ensure that the identification requirements for voting are clear and inclusive, accommodating a broader range of voters while maintaining the integrity of the voting process. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will become effective 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 63.0101 (Election Code 63)