S.B. No. 1584 aims to enhance early voting accessibility in Texas by expanding eligibility for early voting by mail to all qualified voters and repealing certain criminal offenses related to the solicitation and distribution of mail-in voting applications. The bill amends the Election Code, specifically inserting provisions in Section 82.005 to allow any qualified voter to vote early by mail or in person. It also clarifies that individuals in the address confidentiality program must submit their mail-in voting applications in person, as indicated in the amendments to Section 13.002(e) and Section 82.007. Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for early voting ballot applications, removing the need for applicants to state a legal ground for voting by mail, which is reflected in the deletions throughout the bill.

Moreover, the bill updates the criteria for casting late ballots, allowing voters with a sickness or physical condition that arises after the deadline for mail-in ballot applications to vote late, provided they do not require personal assistance or risk their health. It also mandates that the mailing address for the ballot must match the address on the voter's registration application. The bill repeals several existing provisions related to voting procedures for individuals with disabilities, with all changes set to take effect for elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025.

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 84.0111, 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 13, Election Code 82, Election Code 102, Election Code 84, Election Code 87, Election Code 86)