The proposed bill, S.B. 1170, seeks to amend current election laws by introducing new regulations for the use of ballot drop boxes and voting from vehicles. The bill prohibits the use of unmonitored drop boxes for collecting voted ballots, except when located inside a polling place, voting center, or county office where election staff can monitor them. It allows monitored outdoor ballot drop boxes if two or more election workers from the two largest political parties are present from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and if there is a live-monitored video recording system with night vision and motion markers from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., which also provides a publicly available live feed and stores recordings for at least 24 months.

Additionally, the bill restricts voting from a vehicle or other conveyance, except as required by law for accessibility reasons related to the elderly, persons with disabilities, or compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal laws. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund for FY 2024 to the State Treasurer for disbursement to counties to support the implementation of these new requirements, with specific conditions for reimbursement. The appropriation is exempt from lapsing until June 30, 2025, after which any unexpended and unencumbered funds will revert to the state General Fund. The bill is set to become effective on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-546
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-546