Bill Text: TX SB77 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

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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) 2024-11-12 - Filed [SB77 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-SB77-Introduced.html

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89R2491 MPF-D
By: Hall S.B. No. 77

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 52.075, Election Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 52.075. MODIFICATION OF BALLOT FORM FOR CERTAIN VOTING
SYSTEMS. (a) The secretary of state may prescribe the form and
content of a ballot for an election using a voting system, including
an electronic voting system or a voting system that uses direct
recording electronic voting machines [or ballot marking devices],
to conform to the formatting requirements of the system.
(b) In this section, ["ballot marking device,"] "direct
recording electronic voting machine," "electronic voting system,"
and "voting system" have the meanings assigned by Section 121.003.
SECTION 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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 5. Subchapter A, Chapter 125, Election Code, is
amended by adding Sections 125.0071 and 125.011 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.
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, 2025.