campaigners get the polling place bathrooms

The text as introduced · 330 words

89R900 TSS-D

By: Leo Wilson
H.B. No. 695

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of certain facilities of a building being used

as a polling place or early voting polling place.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 61.003, Election Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (a-2) to read as follows:

(a-2) The secretary of state shall adopt rules requiring the

entity that owns or controls a building being used as a polling

place to permit a person electioneering on the building's premises

outside of the area described in Subsection (a) to use the

facilities of the buildings otherwise available to voters or

election officials, including bathrooms. The rules must provide

that the person:

(1) may not bring political signs or literature inside

the area described in Subsection (a);

(2) must cover or remove any political logos or

messaging before entering the area described in Subsection (a); and

(3) must meet any other requirements determined by the

secretary of state to be necessary to ensure the person complies

with Subsection (a).

SECTION 2. Section 85.036, Election Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:

(c-1) The secretary of state shall adopt rules requiring the

entity that owns or controls a building being used as an early

voting polling place to permit a person electioneering on the

building's premises outside of the area described in Subsection (a)

to use the facilities of the buildings otherwise available to

voters or election officials, including bathrooms. The rules must

provide that the person:

(1) may not bring political signs or literature inside

the area described in Subsection (a);

(2) must cover or remove any political logos or

messaging before entering the area described in Subsection (a); and

(3) must meet any other requirements determined by the

secretary of state to be necessary to ensure the person complies

with Subsection (a).

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.