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Bill

HB 314

Relating to requiring notice regarding the potential eligibility to vote of certain persons convicted of a felony.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Ron Reynolds

Texas bill requiring courts/corrections to notify felons of voting rights restoration eligibility upon sentence completion to increase civic participation among formerly incarcerated people.

Filed
#criminaljustice #texasdepartmentof(v8788) #corrections--parole #probation&pardons(i0093) #courts--judges(i0140) #elections--registration&suffrage(i0265)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 314

Legislative bill overview

HB 314 would require the Texas criminal justice system to provide written notice to individuals convicted of felonies about their potential eligibility to vote upon completion of their sentence. The bill aims to ensure that formerly incarcerated people are informed of voting rights restoration opportunities that may apply to them under Texas law.

Why is this important

In Texas, felony conviction does not permanently strip voting rights—eligibility is restored upon sentence completion—but many formerly incarcerated individuals are unaware of this. This notification requirement could increase voter registration and participation among an estimated 5+ million Americans with felony convictions nationally. It addresses a significant information gap that currently prevents eligible citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: Corrections departments would need to develop, print, and distribute notices, requiring staff time and resources across prisons and county jails
  • Accuracy concerns: Voting eligibility rules are complex and vary by offense type and jurisdiction; poorly written notices could provide incorrect legal information
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "certain persons" and which facilities must comply (state prisons only, or also county jails, probation departments) remains unclear from the summary

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

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