Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
2 bills that modify the Election Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
SB 1599 - Ballots voted by mail
SB 1661 - Ballot scan system using a central counting station
2 bills that modify the Election Code
Published: 2025-03-11
SB 1599
Ballots voted by mail
It has added to the CONTENTS OF BALLOT BOX NO 4 any ballot to be voted by mail and returned to the polling place.
An election officer must maintain a list of all ballots to be voted by mail that were returned to the polling place. And a register of each voter who returns a ballot to be voted by mail and the ballot number.
By the 2nd day after early voting, the early voting clerk discovers a correctable defect that can be corrected before the deadline; then they should return the application to the applicant for the correction. The request for correction should be clear as to the defect and provide instructions for submitting the correct application. If it cannot be timely corrected then the clerk may notify the applicant by phone or email regarding the defect, and advise they may appear in person to correct the defect.
Not later than the 9th day before election day, the jacket envelopes containing the early voting ballots voted by mail must be delivered to the board. Any ballots received after this time but prior to the closing of polls on election day, or as soon as practicable, may be delivered to the presiding judge.
There are rules similar to clerk defect corrections placed for the signature verification committee for early voting ballots.
SB 1661
Ballot scan system using a central counting station
If using a central counting station ballot scan system, it must be only capable of using the data transfer media device that once a cast vote is recorded is written, is incapable of being modified without automatic detection and rejection of the cast vote record. It must not allow for the process to be overridden or circumvented.
Webpage created by and for J.B. Williams, J.D. - all rights reserved