Bill > HB5386

This bill modifies Texas Election Code to expand early voting by mail eligibility for pregnant individuals. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision allowing pregnant voters who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy on election day to automatically qualify for mail-in voting. The legislation changes the existing language from "confinement for childbirth" to a broader category of "other physical condition" and extends the window for expecting mothers from three to four weeks before or after election day. Additionally, the bill creates a new explicit category of mail-in voting eligibility based on pregnancy trimester status. This change aims to make voting more accessible for pregnant individuals who might find in-person voting challenging due to their physical condition. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving election officials and voters time to prepare for the new voting provision.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5386