HB 1152
AN ACT relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Modifies signature requirements for mail-in ballot carrier envelopes in Texas. It allows electronic or photocopied signatures only when an individual is physically unable to sign by hand, maintaining the standard of handwritten ink signatures for most voters. The legislation ensures accessibility for voters with disabilities while preserving the traditional signature verification process for mail-in ballots.
Bill Text
relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a 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 (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 (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 (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 (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.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a
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