87R15989 SGM-D
By: González of Dallas, Swanson, Beckley, H.B. No. 478
Clardy, Bucy
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 478:
By: González of Dallas C.S.H.B. No. 478
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to accommodating a voter unable to enter a polling place.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 64.009, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:
(e) An election officer shall designate a parking space at
each polling place for voting under this section. The parking space
may not be one designated specifically for persons with
disabilities. The parking space must be clearly marked with a sign:
(1) indicating that the space is reserved for use by a
voter who is unable to enter the polling place; and
(2) displaying, in large font that is clearly readable
from a vehicle, a telephone number that a voter may call or text to
request assistance from an election officer at the polling place.
(f) As an alternative to displaying a telephone number under
Subsection (e)(2), a parking space may comply with the requirements
of this section by providing the voter with a button or intercom
that the voter may use to request assistance from an election
officer.
SECTION 2. Section 104.004(e), Election Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(e) If the voter is physically unable to enter the early
voting polling place without personal assistance or a likelihood of
injuring the voter's health, the clerk shall deliver the balloting
materials to the voter at the polling place entrance or curb
following the procedures prescribed by Section 64.009.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2021.