By: Dean H.B. No. 3920
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to signature verification on an early voting ballot voted
by mail; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 82.002, Election Code, is amended by
amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read
as follows:
Sec. 82.002. DISABILITY. (a) A qualified voter is eligible
for early voting by mail if the voter:
(1) has a sickness or physical condition that prevents
the voter from appearing at the polling place on election day
without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring
the voter's health; or
(2) expects to be confined for childbirth on election
day.
(b) The following do not constitute [Expected or likely
confinement for childbirth on election day is] sufficient cause to
entitle a voter to vote under Subsection (a):
(1) a lack of transportation;
(2) a sickness that does not otherwise prevent the
voter from leaving the voter's residence; or
(3) a requirement to appear at the voter's place of
employment on election day.
(c) An application for a ballot to be voted by mail on the
ground of disability must require the applicant to affirmatively
indicate that the applicant agrees with the statement "I am
physically unable to enter a polling place on election day without
needing personal assistance or injuring my health," as prescribed
by Section 82.002(a).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.