SAN ANTONIO — A federal court on Monday morning began hearing a challenge to Senate Bill 1, the sweeping elections bill that was signed into law two years ago.

What You Need To Know

  • A federal trial over Texas' sweeping 2021 elections law got underway in San Antonio on Monday

  • A lawsuit challenges more than 30 provisions of Senate Bill 1

  • The bill caused Democrats to break quorum in 2021. It was signed into law that fall 

  • Among other things, the law bans 24-hour voting, drive-thru voting and mail-in drop boxes

A lawsuit was filed in 2021 and challenges more than 30 of the law’s provisions. The plaintiffs are CA-Greater Houston (OCA-GH), the League of Women Voters of Texas (LWVTX), and REVUP-Texas (REVUP). They are represented by the ACLU of Texas. 

The overhaul to Texas elections is what caused Democrats to break quorum in 2021, grinding the legislative session to a halt.

According to the ACLU of Texas, the lawsuit argues that the bill violates the Voting Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and the U.S. Constitution.

Republicans said the bill was needed to combat voter fraud. Democrats characterize it as voter suppression.

“SB 1 is a sweeping attack on our democracy that disproportionately harms voters of color and those with disabilities. It cannot go unchallenged,” said Adriel I. Cepeda Derieux, deputy director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project. “That’s why we’re going to trial and fighting for the voters of Texas.”

Among other things, Senate Bill 1:

  • Bans 24-hour and drive-thru voting
  • Bans mail-in drop boxes
  • Prohibits election officials from distributing mail-in ballot applications to people who didn’t request them
  • Eliminates employers’ obligation to allow employees to take time off from work to vote
  • Expands poll watchers' access

It’s expected that the trial will last for weeks and a decision may not be reached for several months.

The state is being represented by the Texas Attorney General’s office.