The bill, S.B. No. 2209, mandates the exclusive use of hand-marked paper ballots for all elections in Texas, effectively prohibiting the use of electronic voting machines and ballot marking devices. It amends various sections of the Election Code to reflect this requirement, including the addition of a new section (Section 123.010) that explicitly states that authorities holding elections may only adopt voting systems that require hand-marked paper ballots. Additionally, the bill makes several deletions from existing law, such as removing references to electronic voting machines and ballot marking devices in multiple sections, thereby reinforcing the shift towards paper ballots.

Furthermore, the bill modifies provisions related to the payment of election officials, the duties of early voting ballot board watchers, and the delivery of election materials. It also repeals several sections of the Election Code that pertain to electronic voting systems, ensuring that the new regulations are comprehensive and eliminate any ambiguity regarding the use of voting technology. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made in preparation for the upcoming elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 32.091, Election Code 33.054, Election Code 43.007, Election Code 52.075, Election Code 68.032, Election Code 85.071, Election Code 87.022, Election Code 125.001, Election Code 145.098, Election Code 213.007, Election Code 221.008, Local Government Code 292.001, Penal Code 33.05 (Election Code 32, Penal Code 33, Election Code 43, Election Code 52, Local Government Code 292, Election Code 68, Election Code 87, Election Code 221, Election Code 125, Election Code 213, Election Code 33, Election Code 85, Election Code 145)