84R9610 ADM-F
 
  By: Miller of Fort Bend H.B. No. 2163
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to signature verification on an early voting ballot voted
  by mail.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 87.041, Election Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (e-1) to read as
  follows:
         (e)  In making the determination under Subsection (b)(2),
  the board may also compare the signatures with any two or more
  signatures of the voter made within the preceding six years and on
  file with the general custodian of election records or voter
  registrar to determine if [confirm that] the signatures are those
  of the same person [but may not use the signatures to determine that
  the signatures are not those of the same person].
         (e-1)  In making the determination under Subsection (b)(2),
  the board may also compare the signatures with any two or more
  signatures of the voter made before the preceding six years and on
  file with the general custodian of election records or voter
  registrar to confirm that the signatures are those of the same
  person but may not use the signatures to determine that the
  signatures are not those of the same person.
         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, 2015.