Bills to Increase Penalties for Voter Fraud Filed in Wake of West Dallas Scandal

AUSTIN — Texas lawmakers are proposing tougher penalties for voter fraud and tighter oversight of the state's mail-in ballot procedures.Senate Bill 5 was filed by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and will be considered by lawmakers during the special legislative session that began Tuesday. Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth, filed an identical companion bill in the House."We're looking at increased penalties," Hancock said of his bill. "We're also looking at keeping up with current times, technology and all of that."The bill would elevate the seriousness of some voter fraud crimes, raising them from Class B to Class A misdemeanors or state jail felonies.  Continue reading...