TITLE: Relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a ballot voted by mail.

SUMMARY: Relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a ballot voted by mail.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the signature required on a carrier envelope for a ballot voted by mail. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 86.005, Election Code, is amended by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (f) to read as follows: (c) After marking the ballot, the voter must place it in the official ballot envelope and then seal the ballot envelope, place the ballot envelope in the official carrier envelope and then seal the carrier envelope, and sign the certificate on the carrier envelope using ink on paper. Except as provided by Subsection (f), an [An] electronic signature or photocopied signature is not permitted. (f) An electronic signature or photocopied signature is permitted to the extent necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual who is unable to sign by hand. SECTION 2. Section 86.0051, Election Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (g) to read as follows: (b) A person other than the voter who assists a voter by depositing the carrier envelope in the mail or with a common or contract carrier or who obtains the carrier envelope for that purpose must provide the person's signature, printed name, and residence address on the reverse side of the envelope. The person must sign the envelope using ink on paper. Except as provided by Subsection (g), an [An] electronic signature or photocopied signature is not permitted. (g) An electronic signature or photocopied signature is permitted to the extent necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual who is unable to sign by hand. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.