Bill > HB429

This bill clarifies and expands the rules around children accompanying parents to voting stations by allowing children under 16 years old to read or mark a ballot under their parent's direction, without this being considered voter assistance. Specifically, the bill requires the Texas Secretary of State to develop and publish online voter education materials explaining these procedures for parents, and mandates that county election offices also make these materials available on their websites. The new law specifies that while any child under 18 can accompany a parent to a voting station, only children under 16 can actively help read or mark the ballot at their parent's direction, and this action will not be interpreted as prohibited voter assistance. The goal appears to be encouraging family engagement in the voting process and teaching children about electoral participation by allowing them to be directly involved in a parent's voting experience. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving state and local election offices time to prepare the required educational materials.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB429