By: Dean H.B. No. 3920
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to signature verification on an early voting ballot voted
  by mail; creating a criminal offense.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 82.002, Election Code, is amended by
  amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 82.002.  DISABILITY. (a) A qualified voter is eligible
  for early voting by mail if the voter:
               (1)  has a sickness or physical condition that prevents
  the voter from appearing at the polling place on election day
  without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring
  the voter's health; or
               (2)  expects to be confined for childbirth on election
  day.
         (b)  The following do not constitute [Expected or likely
  confinement for childbirth on election day is] sufficient cause to
  entitle a voter to vote under Subsection (a):
               (1)  a lack of transportation;
               (2)  a sickness that does not otherwise prevent the
  voter from leaving the voter's residence; or
               (3)  a requirement to appear at the voter's place of
  employment on election day.
         (c)  An application for a ballot to be voted by mail on the
  ground of disability must require the applicant to affirmatively
  indicate that the applicant agrees with the statement "I am
  physically unable to enter a polling place on election day without
  needing personal assistance or injuring my health," as prescribed
  by Section 82.002(a).
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.