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Bill

HB 521

Relating to accommodating voters with a disability; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ryan Guillen and 2 co-sponsors

Texas law creates criminal penalties for obstructing disability voting accommodations, strengthening voter access protections effective September 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #disabilities #personswith(i0380) #elections--administration(i0277) #elections--earlyvoting(i0260) #elections--electionofficers(i0305) #secretaryofstate(v0042) #signs(s0235)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 521

Legislative bill overview

HB 521 strengthens accommodations for voters with disabilities in Texas elections and creates criminal penalties for violations. The bill modifies existing election code provisions to ensure disabled voters have access to voting assistance and establishes offense categories for those who obstruct or interfere with disability accommodations at polling places.

Why is this important

Approximately 16% of Texas adults live with disabilities, and many rely on specific accommodations to exercise their voting rights independently. Creating criminal penalties for obstructing these accommodations addresses a gap in election law enforcement and signals state commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The bill's specific definitions of what constitutes criminal obstruction of disability accommodations may be interpreted narrowly or broadly, potentially affecting poll workers' discretion in managing voting areas
  • Implementation burden: Poll workers and election officials may face training and resource challenges to properly identify and prevent violations without creating delays for other voters
  • Enforcement clarity: Questions may arise about whether criminal penalties are the appropriate enforcement mechanism versus administrative penalties or civil remedies, and how violations will be documented and prosecuted

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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