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HB 3697

AN ACT relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by

House Bill • Cortez | Plesa
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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Committee

Not yet assigned

Fiscal Note

Not available

What This Bill Does

Sets new requirements for mail-in ballot applications and balloting materials in Texas, mandating that these documents must be printed in at least 12-point type, use black text on a white background, and be a minimum of eight inches by nine inches in size. These specifications aim to improve readability and accessibility for voters requesting and receiving mail-in ballots. The changes will apply to elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025.

Subject Areas

Elections--Early Voting Elections--Administration Elections--General

Bill Text

relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by
mail and other balloting materials.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 84.011(b), Election Code, is amended to
(b)  The officially prescribed application form for an early
voting ballot to be voted by mail must be:
(1)  at least eight inches by nine inches in size;
(2)  [and be] printed in at least 12-point [six-point]
(3)  printed in black text on a white background.
SECTION 2.  Section 86.002, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:
(j)  The balloting materials, including the instructions
under Subsection (d), must be printed:
(1)  in at least 12-point type; and
(2)  in black text on a white background.
SECTION 3.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by

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