The Texas House of Representatives has given initial approval to a measure that would increase penalties for mail-in ballot fraud. Gov. Greg Abbott made it a priority for the special session to crack down on mail-in ballot fraud, but the amendment, which received preliminary approval on Wednesday, reverses a bill that was signed into law during the regular session. That bill would have tightened regulations against voter fraud at Texas nursing homes, while making it easier for nursing-home residents to vote.
James Barragan, a state government reporter for the Dallas Morning News, says the amendment to the original law came about after complaints from county clerks, particularly in large counties, who said the law required increased enforcement and amounted to an unfunded mandate.
The House must vote once more to approve the amendment, then it goes to the Senate.
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
