According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 964 is not expected to have any fiscal implications for the State of Texas. The bill requires certain designations—specifically the phrase “NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE”—to be added to personal identification certificates and driver’s licenses issued to individuals who are not U.S. citizens. Despite the administrative changes involved, the report assumes that any associated implementation costs can be absorbed within the Department of Public Safety’s existing budget and operational framework.

Additionally, the fiscal analysis concludes that there would be no significant financial impact on local units of government. The modifications mandated by the bill do not impose new responsibilities or unfunded mandates on counties, cities, or other local jurisdictions, which may interact with or rely on these forms of identification.

This finding of minimal fiscal impact suggests that the bill is structured to make use of current infrastructure and processes within the state's identification systems. It implies that any necessary software updates, card redesigns, or procedural changes to distinguish non-citizen documentation are either already within anticipated capabilities or can be implemented without requiring additional appropriations. As such, the fiscal note supports the view that the bill's policy goals can be achieved with operational efficiency and minimal cost to taxpayers.

SB 964 aims to clarify voter eligibility by requiring all Texas driver's licenses and personal identification certificates issued to non-U.S. citizens to be visually distinct from those issued to citizens. The bill responds to a legal gap: while proof of lawful presence is already required, current Texas law does not mandate a visible distinction on the face of these IDs. This can lead to confusion during the voting process, where such IDs may be presented by ineligible voters. SB 964 addresses this risk by mandating vertical formatting and inclusion of the phrase "NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE" in prominent font on non-citizen-issued documents.

The updated bill language demonstrates a strategic shift from the original “NONCITIZEN” labeling to “NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.” This change is subtle yet significant: it more narrowly focuses the purpose of the bill on voting eligibility rather than signaling immigration status. This potentially mitigates concerns over stigmatization while directly addressing the election integrity issues raised in the bill analysis. The new designation emphasizes the ineligibility to vote, making it easier for election officials to distinguish valid voter IDs and maintain legal compliance.

From a liberty principles standpoint, SB 964 supports personal responsibility and limited government by preventing the misuse of government-issued IDs without significantly expanding state power. It also upholds individual liberty by ensuring the law is applied equitably while maintaining the rights of lawful residents. The bill does not burden free enterprise or affect private property rights. The fiscal note confirms that any administrative costs can be absorbed within existing resources, suggesting efficient implementation.

In light of its focus on election integrity, minimal fiscal impact, and alignment with liberty principles, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 964. It provides a targeted, reasonable reform to protect against inadvertent or unlawful use of state-issued documents in elections without overreaching into individuals’ broader legal status.

• Individual Liberty: The bill does not restrict any fundamental rights of non-citizens or citizens. Instead, it clarifies the purpose of state-issued identification by visibly indicating that the holder is not eligible to vote. This approach respects the legal boundaries of voting rights while avoiding broad stigmatization—especially with the substitute’s shift from labeling someone as a “NONCITIZEN” to stating “NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.” This distinction focuses on eligibility rather than status, which may protect individual dignity and reduce the potential for discrimination based on immigration status.
• Personal Responsibility: By requiring that identification cards for non-citizens carry a clear voting ineligibility label, the bill encourages personal accountability for those involved in the electoral process, including voters, election officials, and public institutions. It enables lawful residents to understand and acknowledge the limitations of their voting rights while helping prevent inadvertent illegal voting. It also helps officials verify compliance with existing election laws, reinforcing a culture of civic responsibility.
• Free Enterprise: The bill has no bearing on economic freedoms, business operations, or market dynamics. It strictly applies to state-issued identification and does not impose new restrictions or costs on private individuals, companies, or commerce. There is no licensing requirement, regulation, or compliance burden affecting free enterprise.
• Private Property Rights: The bill does not address or interfere with property ownership, land use, or personal belongings. It is confined to the formatting and labeling of driver's licenses and identification certificates, which are state-issued documents.
• Limited Government: The bill reinforces limited government by enhancing transparency and the enforceability of election law without creating new regulatory agencies or expanding government control over other areas of life. It represents a narrowly tailored policy response to a specific procedural issue—distinguishing valid voter identification—while maintaining respect for individual rights and efficient governance. Additionally, with no significant fiscal impact and no new rulemaking authority required, the bill reflects prudent, restrained legislative action.