Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in Texas.

Highlights:

• Requires that state residents need to provide the following proof of citizenship to register to vote in Texas and restricts them to voting in congressional races only if they do not (Sec. 1-12):

• A copy of a U.S. passport;

• A passport card;

• A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory;

• “United States citizenship papers”;

• Identification issued by the U.S. agency responsible for citizenship and immigration; or

• For citizens born outside the U.S., a consular report of birth abroad.

• Specifies that the list does not include tribal documents (Sec. 1-12).

• Specifies that any individual who shows up to the polls who has yet to provide proof of citizenship will have six days to provide it for their full ballot to count. 

• Specifies that if a voter does not provide it, only the federal races will be counted (Sec. 1-12).

• Establishes new duties and burdens for election officials and others who manage voter registration, including (Sec. 1-12):

• Deputy registrars (volunteers who work at voter registration drives) would have to notify people registering to vote that they must present documented proof of citizenship to their local county registrar in addition to checking for proof themselves and documenting their efforts;

• Local election officials would have to report the names of voters who have not provided proof to the State Attorney General; And 

• They would be subject to potential criminal penalties, including jail time, for knowingly registering an applicant without first verifying that they are citizens.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning September 1, 2025 (Sec. 15).

Full Bill Text