BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 386

By: González, Jessica

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law allows an election officer to deliver a ballot to a registered voter at a polling place entrance or curb if the voter is physically unable to enter the polling place due to disability or health concerns. However, voters and election officials have reported difficulties with voters accessing this service due to communication issues and lack of unified guidance by election administrators. H.B. 386 seeks to address this issue by requiring a parking space at each polling place to be designated and clearly marked for voters who are unable to physically enter the polling place.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 386 amends the Election Code to require an election officer to designate a parking space at each polling place for a voter who is physically unable to enter the polling place without personal assistance or likelihood of injuring the voter's health. The bill prohibits the parking space from being one designated specifically for persons with disabilities and requires the parking space to be clearly marked with a sign that displays the following:

· an indication that the space is reserved for use by a voter who is unable to enter the polling place; and

· a telephone number, in large font that is clearly readable from a vehicle, that a voter may call or text to request assistance from an election officer at the polling place.

As an alternative to displaying the telephone number, a parking space may meet the bill's requirements by providing the voter with a button or intercom to use to request assistance from an election officer.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.