87R5448 MLH-D
 
  By: Goodwin H.B. No. 2373
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to depository boxes for ballots to be voted by mail.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 86.006, Election Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-2) to read as
  follows:
         (a)  A marked ballot voted under this chapter must be
  returned to the early voting clerk in the official carrier
  envelope.  The carrier envelope may be delivered in another
  envelope and must be transported and delivered only by:
               (1)  mail;
               (2)  common or contract carrier; [or]
               (3)  subject to Subsection (a-1), in-person delivery by
  the voter who voted the ballot; or
               (4)  subject to Subsection (a-2), delivery to an
  authorized depository box.
         (a-2)  The voter may deliver a sealed carrier envelope
  containing a marked ballot to any depository box authorized by the
  early voting clerk.  The early voting clerk may authorize any number
  of suitable locations for placement of a depository box.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.