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Bill

HJR 49

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain

Constitutional amendment requiring Texas voters to submit citizenship proof during registration, tightening eligibility verification beyond current federal attestation standards.

Referred to Elections
#elections--registration&suffrage(i0265) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 49

Legislative bill overview

HJR 49 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texans to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this would add a new requirement to the Texas Constitution, moving beyond current federal law which only requires voters to attest to citizenship under penalty of perjury.

Why is this important

This amendment directly addresses debate over voter eligibility and election integrity. It would represent a significant shift in voting access procedures, potentially affecting registration rates and requiring new administrative systems. The outcome depends heavily on how "proof" is defined and administered, which could take years to implement through legislation and rulemaking.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional authority: Federal law (NVRA) permits but doesn't require proof of citizenship; some argue states cannot impose stricter requirements than federal standards
  • Voter access vs. security trade-off: Proof requirements may reduce registration among eligible citizens (homeless, rural, minority populations face disproportionate barriers) while addressing citizenship verification concerns
  • Implementation costs and logistics: Determining acceptable proof documents, processing timelines, and staffing requirements could strain election administration resources
  • Existing federal registration: Current Texas registration already requires attestation of citizenship; debate exists over whether additional documentary proof is necessary or duplicative

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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