SRC-HRD H.B. 1001 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1001 By: Dutton (Cain) State Affairs 5-17-97 Engrossed DIGEST Under current Texas law, there is considerable confusion regarding the time at which ex-felons regain their right to vote. Current law states at least two years must pass, since the issuance of discharge papers, before the ex-felon is eligible to vote again. The confusion arises because discharge papers are issued upon release from a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility, however, a person may continue on parole for some period. H.B. 1001 would clarify when an ex-felon regains the right to vote. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1001 clarifies when an ex-felon regains the right to vote. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 11.002, Election Code, to redefine "qualified voter." SECTION 2. Amends Section 13.001(a), Election Code, to require a person convicted of a felony, in order to be eligible for registration as a voter in this state, to have fully discharged the person's sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court. Deletes text regarding discharge papers by the pardons and paroles division or the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and elapsed time from the date of issuance of discharge papers or completion of probation. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.