PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 439.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Jul 10, 2024
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE Act
This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections.
Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.
Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by specified sources.
Additionally, the bill requires states to remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.
The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
The Election Assistance Commission must, within 10 days, adopt and transmit guidance for implementing the bill's requirements to chief state election officials.
People & committees
Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 439.
Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. (Legislative Day July 10, 2024).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 221 - 198 (Roll no. 345). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4556-4559)
House roll call 345 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 221 - 198 (Roll no. 345). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4556-4559)
House roll call 345 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4569)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - The Chair put the question on passage of H.R. 8281 and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Lee (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 - 197 (Roll no. 344).
House roll call 344 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4567-4568)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 8281, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Steil demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Ms. Sewell moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H4566)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8281.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8281, H.J. Res. 165, H.R. 8772, H.R. 7637 and H.R. 7700 The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8772 under a structured rule and H.R. 8281, H.J. Res. 165, H.R. 7700, and H.R. 7637 under a closed rule. Rule provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1341. (consideration: CR H4556-4567)
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1341 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8281, H.J. Res. 165, H.R. 8772, H.R. 7637 and H.R. 7700 The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8772 under a structured rule and H.R. 8281, H.J. Res. 165, H.R. 7700, and H.R. 7637 under a closed rule. Rule provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 455.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 118-552.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 118-552.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 6 - 1.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Feb 25, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.8281 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.8281 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.8281 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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