S.B. No. 145 aims to expand early voting by mail eligibility 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 vote early by mail or in person, and clarifying the eligibility criteria for voters participating in the address confidentiality program. Specifically, it states that individuals certified under this program can only vote by mail if they submit their registration application in person. Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for early voting ballot applications, including the information needed for voters who are absent from their county on election day or those who are elderly or have health conditions.

Furthermore, the bill repeals multiple sections of the Election Code that previously governed early voting by mail, streamlining the process and removing outdated provisions. It also introduces new requirements for ballot applications, such as specifying the address to which ballots should be mailed based on the voter's circumstances. 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 84, Election Code 82, Election Code 86, Election Code 102, Election Code 13, Election Code 87)