BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3724

By: Swanson

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Amid growing election security concerns, it has been suggested that non-ink options for signing a voter registration application or mail-in ballot application such as photocopied, electronic, or facsimile signatures provide potential avenues to take advantage of the election system. H.B. 3724 seeks to ensure the legitimacy of the election process by requiring a voter registration application and a mail-in ballot application to be signed in ink on paper, with the exception of a voter registration application submitted to the Department of Public Safety.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 3724 amends the Election Code to remove the option to submit a voter registration application by telephone facsimile machine. The bill requires the applicant's signature on such an application and on an application for a ballot to be voted early by mail to be in ink on paper and prohibits the use of an electronic signature or photocopied signature on either application, except for an application submitted to the Department of Public Safety.

H.B. 3724 repeals Section 13.143(d-2), Election Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.