Felon rights are generally the rights a person may lose upon conviction for a felony criminal offense—often voting rights and the ability to own or possess a firearm. These laws that limit the rights of felons—referred to by some as felon disenfranchisement—vary from state to state.
For example, some states (Maine, Vermont) allow felons to vote while they are incarcerated. In other states felons lose the right to vote while they are incarcerated, but the right to vote is automatically restored upon release from jail or prison. In some states felons lose the right to vote while they are incarcerated and for some period following their release from jail or prison—often while they are on parole or probation—and the right is automatically restored upon completion of parole or probation and the payment of any fines and fees. And in some states felons lose their voting rights indefinitely for some crimes; or require a pardon from the governor for voting rights to be restored; or face an additional waiting period after completion of their sentence and parole or probation; or require some additional action before voting rights are restored.
In Texas, individuals convicted of a felony are disenfranchised while they are incarcerated, on parole, or on probation. However, once they have fully completed their sentence, including any term of parole or probation, and have paid all fines, fees, and restitution, their right to vote is automatically restored. To regain the right to vote, ex-felons must re-register to vote in Texas. Regarding firearm possession, Texas law prohibits felons from possessing firearms in the five years following their release from confinement or from community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision, whichever date is later. After this five-year period, felons may possess a firearm at the premises at which they live. It's important to note that federal law also imposes restrictions on firearm possession by felons, which can be more restrictive than state law and can apply indefinitely.
