House requires voter-roll checks against federal SAVE database over privacy objections
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Summary
Lawmakers approved HB6 91 to require the Secretary of State to submit registered-voter data to the federal SAVE database to flag noncitizen registrants; supporters cited prior removals, opponents warned of mismatches, naturalized‑citizen false flags and privacy risks. An amendment to limit data sent failed 30–71.
The Louisiana House on March 30 passed House Bill 6 91, requiring the Secretary of State to submit registered‑voter records for verification against the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database. Final passage was 73 ayes to 29 nays.
Representative Boyer, the sponsor, said the check already conducted by the Secretary of State last year found “over 400 people” who had voted illegally across decades and that a statutory requirement will ensure the practice continues under future administrations. “Every illegal vote that’s cast in our elections cancels out a legal vote,” Boyer said on the floor.
Opponents raised privacy and accuracy concerns. Representative Wilford Carter offered an amendment that would have limited the data sent (name and address only), required registrars be notified prior to opening an investigation, and given flagged voters 21 days to demonstrate citizenship; the amendment failed on a 30–71 roll call. Carter warned the SAVE system is designed for entitlements and can produce false matches, particularly for naturalized citizens and people with common or hyphenated names.
Representative Noelle and other critics pointed to examples outside Louisiana where the system flagged high percentages of naturalized citizens as noncitizens and to the risk that mailed notices might not reach voters in time. Supporters said the process includes an investigative step at the election office and opportunities for flagged registrants to respond.
Outcome and next steps: The House adopted the bill requiring annual or periodic database checks and moved HB6 91 forward after a recorded vote of 73–29. The transcript records an amendment vote (30 ayes, 71 nays) and the final passage tally.
