AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – The Texas legislature has given final approval to the Republican-led election bill that Democrats stalled by breaking quorum in the regular session and both special sessions.
The House voted to approve the final version of SB 1 early Tuesday afternoon.
“All members voting,” House Speaker Dade Phelan announced on the House floor. “There being 80 I’s and 41 nays the conference committee report for SB 1 is passed.”
The bill was later approved by the Texas Senate and will head now head to Governor Abbott’s desk to be signed.
“I am extremely proud that the Texas Senate sent Senate Bill 1 to Gov. Abbott’s desk today, said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “This bill is very similar to Senate Bill 7 which we first passed in April during the 87th Regular Session. It is about ensuring that all Texans trust the outcome of every election in Texas. We’ve succeeded in our goal: to make voting in Texas easier while making it more difficult to cheat.”
The Governor said he will sign the measure.
“Protecting the integrity of our elections is critical in the state of Texas, which is why I made election integrity an emergency item during the 87th Legislative Session,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank Senator Brian Hughes, Representative Andrew Murr, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan for stepping up to ensure that this bill made it to the finish line during the second special session. Senate Bill 1 will solidify trust and confidence in the outcome of our elections by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. I look forward to signing Senate Bill 1 into law, ensuring election integrity in Texas.”
The legislation bans 24 hour and drive-thru voting, and limits access to mail-in ballots. Democrats call it discriminatory, but republicans say it protects the integrity of Texas elections.
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