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HB 5386

Relating to allowing pregnant individuals to vote by mail if they will be in the second or third trimester on election day.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mihaela Pleșa

Texas bill HB 5386 expands mail-in voting eligibility to pregnant individuals in their second or third trimester on election day.

Referred to Elections
#elections--earlyvoting(i0260) #pregnancy&childbirth(s0294) #women(i0925)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5386

Legislative bill overview

HB 5386 would allow pregnant individuals in Texas to vote by mail if they will be in their second or third trimester on election day. The bill expands mail-in voting eligibility beyond current Texas law, which restricts absentee voting to specific circumstances like disability, illness, or being out of county on election day.

Why is this important

Pregnancy in later stages can create physical challenges for in-person voting, including difficulty standing in line, increased fatigue, and potential health complications. This bill addresses accessibility for a specific population group and reflects broader debates about voting convenience versus election security measures in Texas.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional questions: How would gestational age be verified? The bill would need clear documentation requirements (medical records, attestation) that some view as reasonable verification while others see as burdensome to voters.
  • Expansion of mail voting: Texas has among the nation's strictest mail-voting policies. Opponents may argue this further erodes election-day voting norms; supporters counter it's a reasonable accommodation similar to disability accommodations.
  • Scope specificity: Why second and third trimester specifically? Critics might question whether first trimester should be included or whether the threshold is medically justified, and supporters may debate if limitations are necessary.

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

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