87S30295 TBO-D

By: Reynolds H.C.R. No. 9

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would help to protect Americans' right to vote; and

WHEREAS, On September 14, 2021, the Freedom to Vote Act was introduced in Congress by a group of moderate and progressive Democratic senators with the support of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; representing a compromise on issues addressed in the previously introduced For the People Act, the Freedom to Vote Act abandons the former bill's more controversial elements while still including provisions that prevent discrimination, make voting more accessible, reform campaign funding, and modernize election infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, If passed, the Freedom to Vote Act would offer protections for people with disabilities, prohibit deceptive and inequitable practices, and restore the federal voting rights of formerly incarcerated citizens; it would also implement automatic voter registration, prevent unnecessary limitations on online and same-day voter registration, and establish national standards for early voting, mail voting, and voter identification; by breaking down barriers to the ballot box, the bill would ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections; and

WHEREAS, The Freedom to Vote Act would enhance transparency in campaign funding by requiring certain entities to disclose all major donors, and it would strengthen rules that keep super PACs and other external groups independent of candidates; in addition, the bill provides grants for states to update their voting machines, and it includes improvements to the Federal Election Commission's enforcement process, expanded penalties for destroying or altering election records, and procedures for states to conduct postelection audits; these changes would promote security at every step of the electoral process; and

WHEREAS, The freedom to vote is fundamental to a successful democracy, and Congress should take action to protect elections from unjust practices and unethical interference; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas, 3rd Called Session, hereby respectfully urge the United States Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Act; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that this resolution be entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.