SB1286 is a bill that proposes several changes to the current laws regarding the use of public schools as polling places and the operation of schools on election days. The bill mandates that state, county, city, town, or school district offices, as well as district schools with a gymnasium, must provide sufficient space for use as a polling place when requested by the officer in charge of elections. It removes the authority of the principal of a district or charter school to deny such a request.

Additionally, the bill requires district schools to close on primary and general election days, with teachers and staff receiving or conducting in-service training or development activities on those days. Teachers and staff are not allowed to use personal, vacation, or other leave time on election days, but they will receive compensation. The bill also exempts schools requested for use as polling places from any restrictions that would limit their use for this purpose and defines a gymnasium as an indoor facility suitable for sporting events, excluding cafeterias or auditoriums. The bill removes the option for county boards of supervisors to use voting centers in place of specifically designated polling places.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-801, 16-411, 16-531, 16-201, 16-211, 16-402, 16-544, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-801, 16-411, 16-531, 16-201, 16-211, 16-402, 16-544, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204
House Engrossed Version: 15-801, 16-411, 16-531, 16-201, 16-211, 16-402, 16-544, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204