Bill: SB 5, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate State Affairs
2nd Chamber Committee
House Elections
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Positive |
Author(s)
Joan Huffman
Co-Author(s)
Paul Bettencourt
Brian Birdwell
Dawn Buckingham
Konni Burton
Donna Campbell
Brandon Creighton
Craig Estes
Bob Hall
Kelly Hancock
Don Huffines
Bryan Hughes
Lois Kolkhorst
Jane Nelson
Robert Nichols
Charles Perry
Charles Schwertner
Kel Seliger
Larry Taylor
Van Taylor
Sponsor(s)
Phil King
Bill Caption
Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification; providing a criminal penalty.
Fiscal Notes
From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would codify the solution of reasonable impediment declarations for individuals that do not have one of the acceptable forms of photo identification in current law. If an individual does not have an ID, they must sign an affidavit declaring that they have a reasonable impediment to obtaining one, and show an alternate form of ID. The election officer would be required to affix the voter's voter registration number in either numerical or bar code form to the reasonable impediment declaration as well. A false statement on one of these declarations would be a third-degree felony. The bill also requires the secretary of state to create a program using mobile units to provide election identification certificates for voters.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill would maintain the integrity of elections while codifying solutions to allow those who have a reasonable impediment to getting a photo ID to vote a regular ballot. This is in keeping with our principles of individual liberty and personal responsibility, therefore we support this bill.
