New Bill Could Bar Unsolicited Voter Registration Forms

The Texas Legislature is considering bills that would bar counties from sending out unsolicited voter registration forms.  The legislation would also bar the state from using public funds to support such mailings by other groups.  A 2021 Texas law bars election officials from sending out unsolicited applications for mail-in ballots.  State Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, says his bill would put voter-registration applications under the same restrictions.  State Rep. Tom Oliverson, a Houston-area Republican, has filed an identical bill in the House.