78R6694 DRH-D

By:  Deshotel                                                     H.B. No. 1983



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a challenge to a person voting by mail in an election.            
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 88.001, Election Code, is amended to 
read as follows:    
	Sec. 88.001.  CHALLENGE AUTHORIZED.  (a)  The eligibility to 
vote of a person voting an early voting ballot by mail may be 
challenged as provided by this chapter by:
		(1)  the early voting clerk;                                                  
		(2)  a member of the early voting ballot board;                               
		(3)  a watcher observing the early voting ballot board;  
or                 
		(4)  a registered voter who is eligible to vote in the 
election.            
	(b)  This chapter does not authorize a challenge:                       
		(1)  to the acceptance of a ballot under Section 87.041 
by the early voting ballot board; or
		(2)  on any grounds other than the eligibility of a 
person to vote.  
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.