BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 3498

By: Aliseda

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

In Texas, a conviction for illegal voting is a third degree felony and a conviction for an attempt of illegal voting is a Class A misdemeanor. H.B. 3498 proposes to further deter offenses relating to voting by increasing the criminal penalty for illegal voting to a second degree felony and for an attempt of illegal voting to a state jail felony.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 3498 amends the Election Code to increase the penalty for an offense relating to illegal voting from a third degree felony to a second degree felony, unless the person is convicted of an attempt, in which case the penalty is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2011.