89th Legislature Regular Session

HB 521

Principle Criteria
Free Enterprise
Property Rights
Personal Responsibility
Limited Government
Individual Liberty
Digest
HB 521 amends the Texas Election Code to improve accessibility for voters with disabilities while enhancing oversight of curbside voting. The bill requires polling places to designate parking spaces for voters unable to enter due to disabilities, with contact information for election officials provided via phone or intercom. Voters using curbside voting must take an oath affirming their physical inability to enter and sign an acknowledgment. Election officers are prohibited from assisting voters with marking ballots at the curb unless explicitly permitted under specific provisions. The bill also introduces regulations for individuals assisting voters, requiring those aiding seven or more voters to complete a form disclosing their information. Failure to complete the required forms or providing unlawful assistance is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill imposes stricter accountability on election officers to monitor assistance eligibility and enforce compliance. These measures aim to balance accessibility and election integrity.
Author
Ryan Guillen
Co-Author
Carrie Isaac