Texas Legislature Passes Election Reforms in 89th Session
New laws address voting security, ballot access, and administrative procedures ahead of 2026 elections; special session could bring additional changes
The Texas Legislature's 89th Regular Session concluded with the passage of 25 major election-related bills that will reshape how Texans vote and how elections are administered across the state, according to a legislative summary released Friday by the Texas Secretary of State's office.
But the legislative activity on elections is far from over. Governor Greg Abbott called a special session that commenced July 21st, with approximately 29 additional bills already filed related to elections, signaling that more significant changes to Texas election law could be on the horizon.
The package of reforms from the regular session touches nearly every aspect of the electoral process, from ballot security measures to voting procedures, with most changes taking effect September 1, 2025.
Enhanced Security Measures Take Center Stage
Several bills significantly strengthen election security protocols. House Bill 5115 represents perhaps the most dramatic change, reclassifying election fraud from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. When committed by an elected official, the offense becomes a first-degree felony. The bill also expands the definition of election fraud to include knowingly counting invalid votes or refusing to count valid ones.
Senate Bill 2216 requires all voting system equipment to be stored in locked rooms with documented security seals, while Senate Bill 2166 overhauls testing procedures for electronic voting systems and introduces new requirements for electronic pollbook testing.
Ballot Access and Voting Procedures
New restrictions on wireless devices will affect voters starting this fall. House Bill 3909 prohibits the use of wireless communication devices in rooms where voting takes place, with notices required to be posted outside polling locations.
Curbside voting procedures receive significant attention under House Bill 521, which requires voters to attest in writing that they are physically unable to enter the polling place. The bill also mandates that transportation providers who assist seven or more curbside voters must complete additional documentation, with violations carrying Class A misdemeanor penalties.
Administrative Overhaul Coming
Perhaps the most ambitious change comes from Senate Bill 2753, which will eliminate the gap between early voting and election day, creating a single voting period. However, implementation depends on a forthcoming report from the Secretary of State confirming counties are prepared for the transition, expected by August 2027.
The bill also requires early voting locations to serve as election day polling places and mandates that early voting begin 12 days before election day, including weekends and holidays.
Mail-in Voting Reforms
Three bills target mail-in ballot procedures. Senate Bill 2964 requires early voting clerks to notify voters of carrier envelope defects within two days and provide corrective action forms. House Bills 2259 and 3697 establish new formatting requirements for mail-in ballot applications, including specific font sizes and paper orientation standards.
Political Subdivision Changes
Multiple bills authorize various municipalities and political subdivisions to move their elections to the November uniform election date, including specific provisions for the cities of Mission and Alpine, along with independent school districts and smaller political subdivisions.
Senate Bill 1025 requires any ballot proposition that increases taxes to include the prominent statement "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" in capital letters.
Candidate and Poll Watcher Requirements
New eligibility restrictions affect both candidates and poll watchers. House Bill 3629 prohibits registered sex offenders from serving on school district boards, while House Bill 493 specifies that individuals convicted of first- or second-degree felonies or election-related felonies cannot serve as poll watchers.
Constitutional Amendments on Horizon
The session also produced 15 joint resolutions proposing constitutional amendments covering topics from property tax exemptions to judicial conduct reforms. These measures will require voter approval in future elections.
More Changes Possible in Special Session
With nearly 30 election-related bills already filed in the ongoing special session, Texas election law could see further modifications before the 2026 midterm elections. The scope and impact of these additional proposals remain to be seen, but the high volume of filings suggests lawmakers view election procedures as a continuing priority.
The combination of regular session reforms and potential special session changes means election officials and voters alike should prepare for a significantly altered electoral landscape.
Implementation Timeline
Most changes from the regular session take effect September 1, 2025, though some provisions are already in effect. The most significant operational changes from Senate Bill 2753 await the Secretary of State's implementation report, potentially affecting the 2026 midterm elections.
Election officials across Texas will implement these changes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Texas SOS Elections Division encourages officials with questions about implementation to call their toll-free hotline at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683).
| 
