AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In order to vote in elections in Texas, the law requires most citizens (some, such as people with disabilities, can be exempt) to show one of a handful of allowable photo identifications before their votes can be counted. Acceptable forms include a state driver's license or ID card that is not more than 60 days expired at the time of voting, a concealed handgun license, a United States (U.S.) passport, a military ID card, or a U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo.
Experts say more than 600,000 Texans lack such identification. Many elderly no longer have these identifications nor do they drive. Therefore, S.B. 982 would allow persons 70 years or older to use certain expired forms of identification for voting purposes.
As proposed, S.B. 982 amends current law relating to acceptable forms of identification for voting for certain persons.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 63.0101, Election Code, as follows:
Sec. 63.0101. DOCUMENTATION OF PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text. Provides that the following documentation is an acceptable form of photo identification under this chapter:
(1)-(5) Makes no changes to these subdivisions.
(b) Authorizes a person 70 years of age or older to use a form of identification listed in Subsection (a) that has expired for the purposes of voting if the identification is otherwise valid.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.