BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3645

By: Cain

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that state election law does not provide an offense for a voter who votes or attempts to vote in an election in Texas after voting in another state in an election in which a federal office appears on the ballot and the election day for both states is the same day. There have been calls to criminalize this conduct in efforts to ensure elections in Texas remain fair and secure. H.B. 3645 seeks to remedy this situation by expanding the conduct that includes an illegal voting offense to include voting in such a manner.

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. 3645 amends the Election Code to expand the conduct that constitutes an illegal voting offense to include knowingly voting or attempting to vote in an election in Texas after voting in another state in an election in which a federal office appears on the ballot and the election day for both states is the same day.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.