H.B. No. 521 aims to enhance voting accessibility for individuals with disabilities by amending the Election Code. Key provisions include the requirement for election officers to deliver ballots to voters who are physically unable to enter polling places, with specific procedures for requesting assistance. New language mandates that voters must take an oath affirming their inability to enter the polling place without assistance before receiving a ballot. Additionally, the bill establishes that election officers delivering ballots cannot assist in marking them, and it introduces penalties for individuals who fail to complete required forms related to voter assistance.

The bill also modifies existing regulations regarding the assistance provided to voters, including the requirement for individuals assisting voters to complete a form detailing their relationship to the voter and any compensation received. It introduces criminal offenses for knowingly providing unlawful assistance or failing to comply with the new form requirements, classifying these offenses as Class A misdemeanors. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 64.009, Election Code 64.0322, Election Code 64.036 (Election Code 64)