TITLE: Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote.

SUMMARY: Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 13.002, Election Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a) A person desiring to register to vote must submit an application and proof of citizenship as required under Subsection (a-1) to the registrar of the county in which the person resides. Except as provided by Subsection (e), an application must be submitted by personal delivery, by mail, or by telephonic facsimile machine in accordance with Sections 13.143(d) and (d-2). (a-1) A person desiring to register to vote shall submit to the registrar a copy of one of the following documents: (1) a United States passport or passport card issued to the person; (2) a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a United States state or territory, or the District of Columbia; (3) United States citizenship papers issued to the person; (4) identification issued by the agency of the United States responsible for citizenship and immigration; or (5) for citizens born abroad, a certificate of report of birth or consular report of birth abroad issued by the United States Department of State. SECTION 2. Section 13.039(a), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) On receipt of a registration application, a volunteer deputy registrar shall review it for completeness in the applicant's presence and verify the applicant's citizenship using the proof of citizenship required by Section 13.002(a-1).SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2026, but only if the constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, to require a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote is approved by the voters.