87S10293 SMT-F
 
  By: González of Dallas H.B. No. 98
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to accommodating a voter unable to enter a polling place.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 64.009, Election Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:
         (e)  An election officer shall designate a parking space at
  each polling place for voting under this section. The parking space
  may not be one designated specifically for persons with
  disabilities. The parking space must be clearly marked with a sign
  indicating that the space is reserved for use by a voter who is
  unable to enter the polling place.
         (f)  An election officer shall ensure that a voter has the
  ability to request assistance from an election officer at the
  polling place from inside a vehicle parked in the space designated
  under Subsection (e) through use of:
               (1)  a telephone number displayed on the sign in large
  font readable from the vehicle that the voter may text or call; or
               (2)  a button the voter may use to access an intercom
  system.
         SECTION 2.  Section 104.004(e), Election Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (e)  If the voter is physically unable to enter the early
  voting polling place without personal assistance or a likelihood of
  injuring the voter's health, the clerk shall deliver the balloting
  materials to the voter at the polling place entrance or curb
  following the procedures prescribed by Section 64.009.
         SECTION 3.  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 on the 91st day after the last day of the
  legislative session.