85R580 GRM-D By: Schofield H.B. No. 534 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the assistance of a voter; creating a criminal offense. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 64.032, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) and amending Subsection (d) to read as follows: (c-1) If assistance is provided by a person of the voter's choice, the person must be a registered voter of the county in which the election is being held. (d) If assistance is provided by a person of the voter's choice, the person shall provide a photo identification to an election officer and the officer shall enter the person's name and address on the poll list beside the voter's name. SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 64, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 64.0325 to read as follows: Sec. 64.0325. SOLICITING VOTERS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE PROHIBITED. (a) A person who is not an election officer may not solicit voters to provide voting assistance, including assistance provided during the period for early voting by personal appearance and assistance provided under Section 86.010. (b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.