Bill Text: TX SB512 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to the use of paper ballots and certain electronic devices in conducting an election.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-02-17 - Referred to State Affairs [SB512 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-SB512-Introduced.html
  88R5845 MPF-D
 
  By: Hall S.B. No. 512
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of paper ballots and certain electronic devices
  in conducting an election.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 63.002(d), Election Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (d)  A [The] signature roster [may be] in the form of an
  electronic device may not be used in an election [approved by the
  secretary of state that is capable of capturing a voter's signature
  next to the voter's name on the device. The secretary of state shall
  adopt rules governing the processing of electronic signatures
  captured under this subsection].
         SECTION 2.  Section 63.003(d), Election Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (d)  A [The] poll list [may be] in the form of an electronic
  device may not be used in an election [approved by the secretary of
  state. The secretary of state shall adopt rules governing the use
  of electronic poll lists].
         SECTION 3.  Section 63.004(e), Election Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (e)  A combination form [may be] in the form of an electronic
  device may not be used in an election [approved by the secretary of
  state. The secretary of state shall adopt rules governing the
  minimum requirements and approval of an electronic device used for
  any form used in connection with the acceptance of voters at a
  polling place].
         SECTION 4.  Subchapter A, Chapter 125, Election Code, is
  amended by adding Section 125.0071 to read as follows:
         Sec. 125.0071.  PROVISION OF PAPER BALLOT. An election
  officer at a polling place where an electronic voting system is used
  must provide a paper ballot to each voter who requests one. A paper
  ballot provided under this section must be printed at the time the
  request is made and, after being voted by the voter, must be scanned
  at the polling place with an optical scanner.
         SECTION 5.  Subchapter A, Chapter 125, Election Code, is
  amended by adding Section 125.011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 125.011.  USE OF BALLOT MARKING DEVICE. A voting system
  that consists of a ballot marking device may not be used in an
  election.
         SECTION 6.  Section 31.014, Election Code, is repealed.
         SECTION 7.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
  an election held on or after the effective date of this Act.  An
  election held before the effective date of this Act is governed by
  the law in effect when the election was held, and that law is
  continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 8.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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