Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 148 increases the penalty for certain voter fraud practices. Currently, it is a Class A misdemeanor to assist another voter in a way other than those permitted by the State Election Code. HB 148 would increase the penalties for these violations from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.

Analysis: Voting is a fundamental right. Committing voter fraud is a serious crime and it violates the sacred right of "one person, one vote". The individual liberty of every voter is harmed by voter fraud. The current law assessing a Class A misdemeanor for violations does not fit the crime. The Class A misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $4,000 and up to a year in jail. By making the violation a state jail felony this legislation imposes a substantially higher financial penalty and requires a minimum of six months and up to two years in jail. This is a punishment more befitting the crime and it may also serve as a better deterrent to voter fraud.

TPPA recommends in favor of HB 148.