Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1439

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to early voting by mail.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Election Code stipulate that voters eligible for early voting by mail can request ballot materials to be sent electronically. The bill mandates that these materials include instructions and must maintain voter confidentiality, particularly concerning their e-mail addresses. This shift to digital means aims to streamline the voting process and ensure that voters can receive and return their ballots in a timely manner, enhancing voter turnout among those with disabilities.

Summary

House Bill 1439 focuses on enhancing the accessibility of early voting by mail, specifically for voters with disabilities. The bill proposes the establishment of an accessible absentee ballot system that allows eligible voters to cast their ballots using an electronic system designed specifically for them. This initiative aims to provide a more inclusive voting process, ensuring that individuals who may have difficulty using traditional voting methods can participate in elections more easily.

Contention

While the bill is seen as a progressive step toward improving voter accessibility, it may provoke debates surrounding the security and integrity of e-mail transmissions for voting materials. Opponents may argue that electronic systems could be susceptible to breaches that could compromise voter privacy and election security. Therefore, discussions will likely center on balancing the need for accessibility with the necessity for secure election practices.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

  • Chapter 81. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 87. Processing Early Voting Results
    • Section: 0223
    • Section: 0431

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2776

Relating to early voting by mail.

TX HB365

Relating to the electronic transmission of a ballot to a voter voting early by mail on the ground of absence from the county of residence.

TX HB3748

Relating to ensuring access to the right to vote by all eligible voters.

TX HB4780

Relating to early voting ballots voted by mail.

TX HB241

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX SB120

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB502

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB67

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB1180

Relating to practices and procedures for an early voting ballot voted by mail.

TX SB2499

Relating to practices and procedures for an early voting ballot voted by mail.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.