87R15989 SGM-D

By: González of Dallas, Swanson, Beckley, H.B. No. 478

Clardy, Bucy

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 478:

By: González of Dallas C.S.H.B. No. 478

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:

(1) indicating that the space is reserved for use by a voter who is unable to enter the polling place; and

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

(f) As an alternative to displaying a telephone number under Subsection (e)(2), a parking space may comply with the requirements of this section by providing the voter with a button or intercom that the voter may use to request assistance from an election officer.

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 September 1, 2021.