87S20423 SMT-F
By: Swanson H.B. No. 145
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. It is the intent of the legislature to ensure the
integrity of elections in this state, including the promotion of
voter access.
SECTION 2. 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
indicating that the space is reserved for use by a voter who is
unable to enter the polling place.
(f) An election officer shall ensure that a voter has the
ability to request assistance from an election officer at the
polling place from inside a vehicle parked in the space designated
under Subsection (e) through use of:
(1) a telephone number displayed on the sign in large
font readable from the vehicle that the voter may text or call; or
(2) a button the voter may use to access an intercom
system.
SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 on the 91st day after the last day of the
legislative session.