Committee approves election‑security bill that limits deployment of troops at polling places; debate centers on wording and enforcement

The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 264 after sponsors described it as an election‑security measure that criminalizes ordering or stationing armed troops at polling locations, upgrades penalties for interference, and creates an expedited civil remedy window around elections.

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver participated as an expert and said the bill is intended to prevent voter intimidation and preserve a safe voting environment. Supporters, including the Sierra Club Rio Grande chapter, said armed presence at polling places creates fear among voters; one witness said his naturalized spouse feared arbitrary stops by ICE near polling locations.

Opponents included some sheriffs and law‑enforcement representatives who said the statute as drafted could make it harder for officers to respond to emergencies or vote normally on election day; one county representative said some local officers opposed the bill because it could require them to leave firearms locked in vehicles, creating safety concerns.

Committee members discussed specific language — "order, bring, or keep a troop or armed person" — and whether the provision would prevent individuals (including National Guard members) from going to vote in uniform and whether it covers federal actors such as ICE. Sponsors said the prohibition targets directed or ordered deployments that could intimidate voters, not individuals going to vote. After discussion and a due‑pass motion, the committee approved the Senate Rules substitute by roll call.