88R7679 MLH-D By: Noble, et al. H.B. No. 1299 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a ballot voted by mail; changing the elements of a criminal offense. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 86.005(c), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) After marking the ballot, the voter must place it in the official ballot envelope and then seal the ballot envelope, place the ballot envelope in the official carrier envelope and then seal the carrier envelope, and sign the certificate on the carrier envelope using ink on paper. An electronic signature or photocopied signature is not permitted. SECTION 2. Section 86.0051(b), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) A person other than the voter who assists a voter by depositing the carrier envelope in the mail or with a common or contract carrier or who obtains the carrier envelope for that purpose must provide the person's signature, printed name, and residence address on the reverse side of the envelope. The person must sign the envelope using ink on paper. An electronic signature or photocopied signature is not permitted. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.