Senator Sarah Eckhardt and Representative John Bucy Tout Bills Expanding Voting Rights in Texas

For Immediate Release: Contact:
March 26, 2025 Jeffrey Clemmons
Jeffrey.Clemmons@Senate.Texas.gov
PRESS RELEASE
Senator Sarah Eckhardt and Representative John Bucy
Tout Bills Expanding Voting Rights in Texas
AUSTIN – Today, State Senator Sarah Eckhardt and Representative John Bucy urged action on
their bills, SB631 and HB590, restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated Texans. Currently,
Texas law complicates the ability of an individual who has served felony time in prison to participate
in elections by making their eligibility to vote contingent upon extended periods of periods of
parole or supervision. The Sentencing Project estimates that 479,000 Texans are currently
disenfranchised because of Texas laws, with 327,000 Texans disenfranchised who are living in
community on probation or parole. Black and Latino Texans are overrepresented in those who are
disenfranchised.
SB631 by Eckhardt makes clear that once an individual has been released from prison that they
may register to vote. “Voting is a fundamental to a democracy,” said Senator Sarah Eckhardt.
“Denying people the right to simply register to vote undermines their rehabilitation and our
collective community safety, which requires compassion as well as commonsense. This is an
important step toward to reducing barriers to income, housing, and healthcare that stem from a
lack of representation, starting in the ballot box. This legislation will make healthier and more
whole our Texas democracy.”
HB590 by Bucy would require the Secretary of State to notify individuals of their right to vote upon
release. "No one understands the justice system better than those who have been through it,"
said Representative John Bucy III. "If we want a democracy that reflects the people, we have to
make sure every voice is heard, including those who have served their time and regained their right
to a say in our future. This bill ensures that Texans who have served their time aren’t shut out
of democracy just because they weren't informed of their rights."
Senator Eckhardt and Representative Bucy were also joined by justice-impacted individuals Robert
Lilly of Grassroots Leadership, Steve Huerta of All of Us or None Texas, Marci Marie Simmons of
Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance, alongside Bob Libal of the Sentencing Project,
with support from the ACLU of Texas, Texas Civil Rights Project, and MOVE Texas.
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"I want to live in a safe and healthy democracy where people have control over their lives,”
said Robert Lilly. “A democracy thrives when individuals are informed and empowered to shape
their futures. Voter disenfranchisement undermines community safety, which is why we urge
the Legislature to back up the mission statement of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
(TDCJ): 'empowering individuals to achieve lifelong success.' This can be accomplished by restoring
voting rights upon release from custody."
"Voting is more than a privilege, it is a declaration of belonging, a recognition of one’s humanity,”
said Steve Huerta. “When we deny people on probation or parole the right to vote, we silence
voices that have paid their dues and are striving to rebuild. Justice-impacted people are integral
to our communities and families, and we deserve a voice in shaping the future. True justice means
restoration, inclusion, and the faith that every person counts."
“Voting is about more than casting a ballot. It is about being seen and valued in society,” said
Marci Marie Simmons, Director of Community Engagement for the Lioness Justice Impacted
Women’s Alliance. “Denying people with felony convictions the right to vote tells them their
voices do not matter. At Lioness we know justice impacted people are more than their pasts. We
are leaders, parents and community members who deserve a say in the policies that shape our
lives."
“The law preventing people with felony convictions from voting undermines Texas’
democracy,” said Bob Libal, Senior Political Advisor for the Sentencing Project. “Re-
enfranchisement aids in the successful reentry of persons completing felony sentences, preparing
them for success and to be actively engaged citizens in our state. That is what community safety
is all about and these bills take us one step closer to achieving that in Texas.”
Sarah Eckhardt is the third-term Democratic State Senator representing District 14, comprising Austin and
surrounding areas. She serves on the Administration, Border Security, Nominations, and Veterans Affairs
committees in the 89th Legislative Session, and has previously served on the Water, Agriculture, & Rural
Affairs and Local Government committees. A proud UT Law and Public Affairs alum, Senator Eckhardt was
the first woman to serve as Travis County Judge from 2014-2020.
John Bucy III is the fourth-term Democrat representing District 136 in the Texas House, comprising
Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and the Bushy Creek area in Williamson County. In
the 89th Legislature, he serves as Vice Chair for the House Elections Committee and for the Subcommittee
on Disease Prevention & Women’s and Children’s Health; he is also a member of the Public Health
Committee and Local & Consent Calendars Committee.
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