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.