Texans would have had to prove citizenship to register to vote
What it does
SB 16 would have required people to show proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate or passport, when they register to vote. People who could not show proof could vote only in federal races. It also created new crimes tied to the rules.
What it means for your community
If a version passes, first-time voters and people who move may need extra papers to register. County election offices would run two kinds of ballots for some voters.
Why it didn't pass
The Senate passed it. In the House, a committee approved it on May 25, 2025, and sent it to the Calendars Committee, but it never reached a House floor vote before the session ended.
What to watch next session
Election rules come up nearly every session. Watch for a refiled version and whether the House schedules a floor vote this time.
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