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Bill Summary · HB 4047

Legislative bill overview

HB 4047 would mandate or expand the use of paper ballots in Texas elections, likely requiring counties to implement paper ballot systems alongside or instead of existing electronic voting methods. The bill was filed in March 2025 and is currently under review by the Elections Committee.

Why is this important

Paper ballot systems directly impact election administration costs, voter accessibility, and public confidence in election integrity. This represents a significant operational change for Texas counties, many of which currently use direct-recording electronic (DRE) machines or hybrid systems, requiring potential equipment purchases, staff retraining, and procedural modifications.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Counties would bear expenses for new ballot printing, scanning equipment, and ballot storage infrastructure, with unclear state funding mechanisms
  • Accessibility concerns: Paper-only systems may create challenges for voters with disabilities who currently benefit from electronic ballot-marking assistance
  • Operational capacity: Rural and smaller counties may struggle with increased ballot handling, storage, and chain-of-custody requirements
  • Speed and efficiency: Hand-counting or scanning paper ballots increases tabulation time, potentially delaying election night results
  • Dual system complexity: Transition period could create confusion if multiple voting methods operate simultaneously during implementation

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

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