By: Cortez, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Zaffirini) H.B. No. 3697

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 9, 2025; May 13, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs; May 23, 2025, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 0; May 23, 2025, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 3697 By: Paxton

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by mail and other balloting materials.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 84.011(b), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The officially prescribed application form for an early voting ballot to be voted by mail must be:

(1) at least eight inches by nine inches in size;

(2) [and be] printed in at least 12-point [six-point] type; and

(3) printed in black text.

SECTION 2. Section 86.002, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:

(j) The balloting materials, including the instructions under Subsection (d), must be printed:

(1) in at least 12-point type; and

(2) in black text.

SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

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