88R2863 SGM-D
By: González of Dallas, Swanson, Cain, Bucy, H.B. No. 386
Plesa, et al.
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. This Act may be cited as the Kate Garrison
Memorial Act.
SECTION 2. Section 64.009, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) to read as follows:
(a-1) 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.
(a-2) As an alternative to displaying a telephone number
under Subsection (a-1)(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 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 September 1, 2023.