AN ACT TO BE KNOWN AS THE "SAFEGUARD HONEST INTEGRITY IN ELECTIONS FOR LASTING DEMOCRACY (SHIELD) ACT"; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH A REGISTRAR VERIFIES AN APPLICANT'S CITIZENSHIP UPON RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION; TO REQUIRE THE REGISTRAR TO ENTER EACH APPLICANT'S INFORMATION INTO THE UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE'S SYSTEMATIC ALIEN VERIFICATION FOR ENTITLEMENTS (SAVE); TO REQUIRE REGISTRARS TO MAKE ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE REGARDING THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS FLAGGED BY A SAVE SYSTEM CHECK AND THE NUMBER REMOVED FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 23-15-165.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO CONDUCT AN ANNUAL COMPARISON OF THE STATEWIDE ELECTIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RECORDS WITH THE SAVE DATABASE AND TO REPORT INELIGIBLE MATCHES TO THE APPROPRIATE REGISTRAR; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 23-15-165.2, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO ANNUALLY REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON THE RESULTS ACHIEVED WITH THE SAVE SYSTEM; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 23-15-165.3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION COLLECTED THROUGH USE OF THE SAVE SYSTEM FROM THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC RECORDS ACT OF 1983; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 23-15-165.4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PRECEDING SECTIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, HB1253 will significantly influence the voter registration process in Mississippi. It requires that, upon receipt of a voter registration application, each applicant's information is entered into the SAVE system to determine their eligibility based on citizenship. The Secretary of State is also tasked with conducting an annual verification of existing registrants against the SAVE database, thereby creating a systematic approach to ensuring election integrity by identifying and potentially removing ineligible voters based on citizenship status. Furthermore, this bill adjusts local policies regarding how registrars manage voters flagged as potential noncitizens and enforces stringent reporting requirements.
Summary
House Bill 1253, known as the 'Safeguard Honest Integrity in Elections for Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act', aims to bolster the verification process of voter registration by requiring registrars to confirm applicants' citizenship through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system. This act modifies current procedures for handling voter applications and mandates annual reporting to the Secretary of State on the number of flagged registrants and removals based on confirmed citizenship status. Additionally, it emphasizes the confidentiality of personally identifiable information collected through this verification process.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB1253 is notably divided, reflecting a broader national debate on voter registration laws. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for maintaining the integrity of elections and preventing illegal voting by ensuring only eligible citizens can cast ballots. Conversely, critics contend that it places undue burdens on registrars and could disenfranchise eligible voters by setting challenging verification standards. The discussions surrounding the bill indicate a fundamental clash over voting rights, with supporters championing enhanced security and opponents defending a more accessible voting process.
Contention
Notable points of contention within the deliberations on HB1253 include the implications of increasing bureaucratic processes for voter registration, particularly concerning the time frame for processing claims and the removal of voters flagged by the SAVE system. Critiques focus on the potential risks of erroneously disenfranchising eligible voters and the logistical challenges registrars may face under the newly mandated procedures. There are also concerns regarding data privacy and the reliance on federal databases, emphasizing the delicacy of balancing election integrity with equitable access to voting.
Investigative reports; exempt youth court reports from the Mississippi Public Records Act, bring forward provisions related to.Commission on Judicial Performance.