By: Bernal H.B. No. 658 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to priority voting for voters with certain disabilities substantially impairing mobility. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 63, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 63.0013 to read as follows: Sec. 63.0013. ACCEPTING VOTERS WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES. (a) In this section, "mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate" has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001, Transportation Code. (b) An election officer may accept a person with a mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate who is offering to vote before accepting others offering to vote at the polling place who arrived before the person. (c) Notice of the priority given to persons with a mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate shall be posted: (1) at one or more locations in each polling place where it can be read by persons waiting to vote; (2) on the Internet website of the secretary of state; and (3) each Internet website relating to elections maintained by a county. (d) The notice required by Subsection (c) must read: "Pursuant to Section 63.0013, Election Code, an election officer may give voting order priority to individuals with a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person's ability to move around ("ambulate"). If you have a mobility-related problem, or disability that qualifies you for a disabled parking placard, please inform an election officer at your polling place. In accordance with Section 681.001, Transportation Code, a mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate means that the person suffers from the following: paralysis; lung disease; uses portable oxygen; cardiac deficiency; is severely limited in the ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition wheelchair confinement; arthritis; foot disorder; cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; or another medical condition causing a person to use a brace, cane, crutch, or other assistive device. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.