The bill, H.B. No. 628, 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. Key amendments include allowing any qualified voter to be eligible for early voting by mail or personal appearance, and clarifying that individuals certified in the address confidentiality program must submit their applications for mail-in voting in person. Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for early voting ballot applications, including the information needed for voters who are 65 years or older, have physical conditions, or are confined in jail.

Significant deletions from the Election Code include the repeal of several sections that previously outlined eligibility and procedures for early voting by mail. The bill also introduces new provisions that specify the conditions under which voters can apply for mail-in ballots, such as being absent from their county of residence on election day or being confined in jail. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and are intended to streamline the voting process while ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in elections.

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 84, Election Code 13, Election Code 102, Election Code 86, Election Code 82, Election Code 87)