Texas Legislature Sends Election Reform Bill to Governor’s Desk

The Texas Legislature on Tuesday sent a bill to amend the state’s election code to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk, which is expected to be signed into law.

The measure was among a number of voting bills that prompted 52 House Democrats to flee the state in July to deny Republicans the legislative quorum needed to conduct the state’s business.

Three Democrats returned to Texas in late August—enough to achieve a quorum—ending a legislative impasse of 38 days, or more than six weeks.

Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled state House and Senate advanced the bill through both chambers on Tuesday.

Abbott said the measure, Senate Bill 1 (pdf), will protect the integrity of elections in Texas.

“Senate Bill 1 will solidify trust and confidence in the outcome of our elections by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. I look forward to signing Senate Bill 1 into law, ensuring election integrity in Texas,” Abbott said in a statement following the bill’s passage.

The bill creates a slew of measures, including to implement uniform voting hours across the state and remove 24-hour voting locations. It also prohibits drive-through voting. – READ MORE