Bill > HB1854

This bill modifies several sections of the Texas Election Code to extend the deadline for early voting ballot boards to perform certain tasks from the 9th day after an election to the 10th day after an election. Specifically, the bill changes three key provisions: first, it requires the early voting ballot board to verify and count provisional ballots by the 10th day after an election (instead of the 9th day); second, it mandates that the board determine whether to accept mail ballots by the 10th day after the election; and third, it adjusts the timeline for ballot rejection notifications, requiring the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to deliver written notice of ballot rejections not later than the 10th day after the local canvass (previously referenced as election day). These changes provide election officials with slightly more time to process and review ballots, potentially allowing for more thorough examination of provisional and mail-in ballots. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving election administrators advance notice of the upcoming procedural changes.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1854