Elections

SB 54 allows voters who have changed their residence within a county to vote immediately in upcoming elections without waiting 30 days, provided they submit a verified statement to election officials. The bill requires voters to confirm their current address and eligibility through a written statement detailing their new residence and all registration information. This change applies only to voters who submit such a statement after the bill's effective date (September 17, 2025), eliminating the previous 30-day waiting period for address updates. It directly affects voters who move within their county but haven't updated their registration records. The bill amends Texas Election Code sections 15.025 and 63.0011 to implement this immediate effect process.

SB 19 prohibits making or accepting political contributions to statewide officeholders, state legislators, or their specific-purpose committees during any special legislative session. The bill requires recipients to refuse and return such contributions within 30 days, with specific rules for mail/delivery timing. Exceptions include contributions intended for elections held during the session period, election contests, or by defeated officeholders. This change applies only to contributions made on or after the bill's effective date.

HB 295 changes Texas election rules for voters who move within their county but haven't updated their registration. It allows voters to cast ballots in their current precinct immediately after submitting a statement verifying their new address and meeting residency requirements, instead of waiting 30 days for registration changes to take effect. The bill requires voters to provide the same information needed for initial registration, including their current address and a statement confirming they reside in the precinct. This applies only to address change notices submitted after the bill's effective date. The law affects voters who relocate within their county but haven't updated their registration records.

HB 29 modifies Texas election procedures for voters who move within their county but haven't updated their registration address. It allows these voters to cast ballots immediately in their current precinct if they submit a specific statement confirming their residence and providing full registration details to election officials. The bill replaces the previous 30-day waiting period for address changes with immediate effect upon submission of this statement. Voters must verify they meet residence requirements and include all necessary registration information, but they no longer need to wait 30 days for their address change to take effect. This change applies only to notices submitted on or after the bill's effective date.

SB 2753 integrates early voting by personal appearance and election day voting processes in Texas. It requires county election offices to stay open during extended early voting hours for voter registration, and allows counties with under 55,000 residents to use state funds to keep polling places open during early voting periods. The bill also permits combining election precincts with fewer than 5,000 registered voters in counties under 1.2 million population to reduce election costs, while maintaining population limits for precincts. These changes directly affect county election administrators, voters accessing early voting, and local election budgets. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor in June 2025.