Voter ID Law In Public Senate Hearings Monday & Tuesday

The Texas Senate will meet as a committee of the whole on Monday and Tuesday to hold public hearings on a measure that will require voters to present valid picture ID when casting ballots.

Governor Rick Perry declared the need for the law an emergency and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst immediately scheduled public hearings. The Senate will convene at 1:30 on Monday for the initial hearing.

All 19 Republican State Senators have signed on as co-authors and sponsors of the bill, which would require positive identification by picture on government-issued cards under penalty of law.

Witnesses will testify in the Tuesday afternoon session. The public may attend and observe from the third floor gallery.