Senate gives final Voter ID approval

AUSTIN (AP) - The state Senate approved a controversial voter ID bill that now faces a far less certain future in the Texas House. The bill approved Wednesday would require Texans to produce a valid photo ID or two alternatives before being allowed to cast a ballot.

The reform passed on the same 19-to-12 vote that came with preliminary approval this week. The vote follows strict party lines in the Republican-led Senate. Under the bill, a valid photo ID includes a current driver's license, military ID and concealed weapons permit.

Voters without a photo ID could still cast a regular ballot by presenting two alternative forms of ID, including a voter registration certificate, government-issued mail, utility bills and bank statements.