89R447 MLH-D
By: Morales Shaw H.B. No. 1152
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a
ballot voted by mail.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 86.005, Election Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (f) 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. Except as provided by Subsection (f),
an [An] electronic signature or photocopied signature is not
permitted.
(f) An electronic signature or photocopied signature is
permitted to the extent necessary to reasonably accommodate an
individual who is unable to sign by hand.
SECTION 2. Section 86.0051, Election Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (g) 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. Except as provided by
Subsection (g), an [An] electronic signature or photocopied
signature is not permitted.
(g) An electronic signature or photocopied signature is
permitted to the extent necessary to reasonably accommodate an
individual who is unable to sign by hand.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.