Relating to prohibiting an officer or employee of this state or of a political subdivision of this state from distributing certain voter registration application forms and to the notice of availability of such forms; creating criminal offenses.
Summary
SB 511 would restrict state and local government officers and employees, when acting in the course of their official duties, from handing out voter registration application forms to people who did not ask for them. The bill also bars those officials from using public funds through third-party vendors to distribute unsolicited registration forms. At the same time, it preserves the ability of political parties, elected officials, and candidates to distribute such forms, even if the recipient did not request one.
The bill requires government offices that make voter registration forms available on request to post a notice stating that the forms are available, and the notice must be displayed in English, Spanish, and any other language required for election materials in that jurisdiction. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations: a Class C misdemeanor for unauthorized distribution by an officer or employee, and a Class A misdemeanor if the violation involves an improper public-funds contract with a third-party vendor. The act would take effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 511 would amend the Texas Election Code by adding a new Section 13.009 to Chapter 13, directly regulating how government offices and employees may handle voter registration application forms. It would limit unsolicited distribution by public officials and agencies, require multilingual notice of availability in certain offices, and create new misdemeanor offenses tied to violations. The bill would affect state agencies, local governments, election administrators, and any third-party vendors contracted to distribute registration materials using public funds.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill advanced with support but also notable opposition, with recorded 20-11 votes on multiple procedural actions. That pattern indicates the measure was politically divisive rather than broadly bipartisan. No committee transcript is available here, so the public record provided shows the bill moving forward despite sustained minority resistance, likely reflecting disagreement over election administration and voter outreach rules.
Contention
The main point of contention is the restriction on unsolicited voter registration outreach by government officials and employees, which supporters may view as a guardrail against improper government involvement and opponents may view as a barrier to voter registration access. Another likely flashpoint is the criminalization of conduct by public employees and the higher Class A misdemeanor penalty for public-funds contracts with third-party vendors. The bill also draws a line between government actors and political parties, elected officials, and candidates, allowing the latter to distribute forms freely, which could be criticized as uneven treatment in election-related outreach.
Identical
Relating to prohibiting an officer or employee of this state or of a political subdivision of this state from distributing certain voter registration application forms; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to prohibiting an officer or employee of this state or of a political subdivision of this state from distributing certain voter registration application forms; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to prohibiting an officer or employee of a political subdivision of this state from distributing certain voter registration application forms.
Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.
Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.