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 changes to the eligibility criteria for early voting by mail, particularly for individuals certified under the address confidentiality program. Specifically, it states that such individuals are not eligible for early voting by mail unless they submit their application in person. The bill also clarifies that any qualified voter can vote early either by mail or in person, and it modifies the requirements for applications for mail-in ballots, including the information that must be provided based on the applicant's circumstances.

Additionally, the bill repeals several sections of the Election Code that previously governed early voting by mail, streamlining the process and removing outdated provisions. It introduces new requirements for the application process, such as specifying the address to which ballots should be mailed based on the voter's situation, including those who are elderly, have disabilities, or are confined in jail. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and are intended to enhance accessibility and clarity in the voting process for Texas residents.

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