House Bill No. 6849, also known as Public Act No. 25-134, introduces various amendments to the Government Administration and Elections statutes, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Key changes include the repeal of subdivision (9) of section 3-56a, which redefines "mineral" by removing the term "liquid" from the definition. Additionally, subsection (c) of section 4-8 is amended to clarify the appointment of deputies by department heads, ensuring that one deputy is designated to assume the responsibilities of the department head in their absence. The bill also updates the nomination process for candidates in section 9-4a, expanding the definition of "contact information" and introducing an electronic link to the Federal Election Commission's website for candidate information. Other amendments address the removal of elector names from registry lists and clarify the use of absentee ballot applications for specific voter categories.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the voting process by allowing former residents to apply for a "presidential ballot" and mandates the appointment of absentee ballot coordinators for municipal elections. It also improves the recanvassing process by specifying procedures for addressing discrepancies in voting returns and ensuring transparency. The bill repeals and replaces several sections related to petition certifications and campaign financing, allowing for unlimited independent expenditures while preserving petitions for three years. Additionally, it establishes a new nonprofit organization, the Long Island Sound Foundation, Inc., to manage and protect Long Island Sound, and centralizes decision-making authority within the Department of Consumer Protection by requiring boards to submit adverse decisions to the Commissioner for review. Overall, these changes aim to streamline election processes, enhance governance, and improve the integrity and accessibility of voting in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-8, 9-32, 9-35c, 9-153a, 9-264, 9-311a
GAE Joint Favorable: 4-8, 9-32, 9-35c, 9-153a, 9-264, 9-311a
File No. 109: 4-8, 9-32, 9-35c, 9-153a, 9-264, 9-311a
Public Act No. 25-134: 4-8, 9-32, 9-35c, 9-153a, 9-264, 9-311a