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Bill would tighten curbside voting rules; sponsors say it prevents misuse, critics call added paperwork a barrier
Summary
House Bill 521 would require curbside voters to complete a sworn statement under penalty of perjury and add reporting requirements for people who transport or assist multiple curbside voters; proponents say it protects election integrity while keeping access, opponents say it could intimidate or deter voters with disabilities.
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard competing testimony on House Bill 521, which would change how curbside voting is administered for voters with disabilities. The measure would require voters seeking a curbside ballot to complete a sworn statement under penalty of perjury affirming they are physically unable to enter the polling place without assistance or risk of injury. It would also require people who transport seven or more curbside voters during early voting or on election day to file identifying information with the secretary of state, and it would require similar reporting where individuals assist seven or more voters inside polling locations.
Sponsor Senator Paxton said the change preserves access for voters with disabilities while preventing misuse. "This ensures the accommodation is used appropriately while maintaining accessibility for eligible voters," he told the committee.
Opponents said the new sworn statement and additional forms would create unnecessary hurdles. Dr. Susana Carranza told the committee she opposes the bill because asking an already vulnerable voter to sign an affidavit “can be intimidating and prevent folks who really need it” from using curbside voting. Election observers and disability advocates warned that added paperwork could discourage use and could create a heavier workload for poll workers.
Supporters including a representative of Harris County ballot security said the rules would guard against misuse — citing scenarios in which non-disabled people attempt curbside voting for convenience or to cut lines — and said properly administered statements would not likely deter legitimately disabled voters.
Committee members asked how the bill would treat caretakers and nursing-home transport situations where multiple people are moved together. Sponsors said the bill’s language could be amended to clarify custodial scenarios and that they were open to adjustments to avoid unintentionally blocking legitimate uses.
The committee closed public testimony and left the measure pending.
(Ending) The committee will consider clarifying language, particularly about caretakers and institutional transport, to ensure access for eligible voters while capturing the bill’s intent to limit misuse.
