H.B. No. 417 aims to expand early voting by mail for qualified voters in Texas and repeals certain criminal offenses related to the solicitation and distribution of mail-in voting applications. The bill amends several sections of the Election Code, notably allowing any qualified voter to be eligible for early voting by mail or personal appearance, and clarifying the eligibility criteria for voters participating in the address confidentiality program. It also specifies that voters who are certified for this program must submit their registration applications in person to be eligible for mail-in voting.

Additionally, the bill introduces various amendments to the application process for mail-in ballots, including the information required from applicants and the conditions under which ballots can be mailed. It repeals multiple sections of the Election Code that previously governed mail-in voting procedures, streamlining the process and removing outdated regulations. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and are intended to enhance voter access and simplify the voting process in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.002, Election Code 82.005, Election Code 82.007, Election Code 84.001, Election Code 84.002, Election Code 84.009, Election Code 84.011, Election Code 86.001, Election Code 86.0015, Election Code 86.003, Election Code 86.004, Election Code 87.041, Election Code 102.001 (Election Code 87, Election Code 102, Election Code 13, Election Code 82, Election Code 84, Election Code 86)