86R24156 GRM-D By: Fierro H.B. No. 2898 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to voting outside of the polling place. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Section 64.009, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 64.009. VOTING OUTSIDE [VOTER UNABLE TO ENTER] POLLING PLACE FOR CERTAIN VOTERS. SECTION 2. Section 64.009, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsections (a-1) and (e) to read as follows: (a-1) The authority conducting the election may permit a voter who is a parent or legal guardian of a child who is five years of age or younger and is accompanied by that child to vote in the same manner as a voter under Subsection (a). (e) The secretary of state, in cooperation with county elections administrators, shall conduct a study to determine the best practices in conducting voting under Subsection (a-1). Not later than December 31, 2020, the secretary of state shall report the study's findings to the committees of each house of the legislature with jurisdiction over elections. This subsection expires on September 1, 2021. SECTION 3. The heading to Section 85.034, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 85.034. VOTING OUTSIDE [VOTER UNABLE TO ENTER] POLLING PLACE FOR CERTAIN VOTERS. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.