Why 3/5: It provides an additional pathway for voters to cast a ballot under specific emergency conditions, which is important for voter access.
This bill establishes a new process for voters to apply for an emergency absentee ballot if their original ballot is not received in time or if a personal or family emergency prevents them from voting on Election Day. This operational change provides an additional safeguard for voters facing unforeseen circumstances to ensure they can cast their ballot.
Cleared committee
Reported from Privileges and Elections (13-Y 2-N)
Update
Rules suspended
Update
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Update
Passed by for the day
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1244ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Absentee voting; emergency application for absentee ballot.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1244)
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 761 (effective 7/1/2026)