Bill

SB 903

86(R) - 2019
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Bryan Hughes

Bill Caption

Relating to the integrity of elections in this state; imposing a civil penalty; increasing a criminal penalty.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 903 would require certain disclosures for felons informing them of their inability to vote. It would also increase the sharing of information who are unable to vote between the secretary of state (SOS), local officials, and other agencies and allow certain officials to maintain lists that they are currently not authorized to maintain for the purpose of upholding the voting restrictions.

More specifically, this bill would require the SOS to enter into an agreement with DPS under which information in the statewide computerized voter registration list is compared against information provided on voter registration applications. If the SOS determines that a voter on the list is deceased or has been excused or disqualified from jury service because to voter is not a citizen, the SOS would be required to send notice of the determination to the voter registrar of the counties considered appropriate by SOS.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 903 because it promotes limited government by increasing transparency and promoting the integrity of elections, a legitimate function of a limited government.