H.B. No. 277 aims to amend the Election Code in Texas to facilitate early voting by mail for qualified voters and to repeal certain criminal offenses related to the solicitation and distribution of mail-in voting applications. Key amendments include clarifying that individuals certified for participation in the address confidentiality program are not eligible for early voting by mail unless they submit their application in person. The bill also expands eligibility for early voting to include mail-in voting, allowing any qualified voter to choose between mail or personal appearance for voting.

Additionally, the bill introduces several changes to the application process for mail-in ballots, including new requirements for applicants who are 65 years or older, have a physical condition, or are confined in jail. It also repeals multiple sections of the Election Code that previously governed mail-in voting procedures, streamlining the process. The changes will take effect for elections ordered on or after November 1, 2025, and the bill will become law 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

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