A federal district court has ruled against a key provision of Texas' Senate Bill 1, marking what the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas describes as a victory for voting rights. The decision, issued on October 11, was announced by the ACLU in a press release dated October 15.

According to the ACLU's statement, the court found that the provision criminalizing compensated mail-ballot assistance violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. This provision specifically targets individuals providing paid assistance with mail ballots to people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.

The lawsuit leading to this ruling was filed three years ago by several organizations including the League of Women Voters of Texas, Register, Educate, Vote, & Use your Power - Texas (REV UP Texas), and OCA Greater Houston. These entities were supported by legal representation from the ACLU, ACLU Texas, Texas Civil Rights Project, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Disability Rights Texas, and Jenner & Block LLP.

The recent ruling follows another decision affecting provisions related to canvassing within SB 1. Each plaintiff involved in the case has expressed approval of the court's decision. The full court order is available online.