House Bill No. 6849, also known as Public Act No. 25-134, proposes several technical revisions to the Government Administration and Elections statutes, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Key amendments include an updated definition of "mineral" in section 3-56a, which now excludes the term "liquid," and clarifications regarding the appointment and responsibilities of department heads in section 4-8. The bill also modifies the information required from candidates in section 9-4a, allowing contact information to be provided via an electronic link to the Federal Election Commission's website. Additionally, it removes certain legal language concerning the removal of electors from registry lists and their reapplication conditions, as seen in sections 9-31l and 9-32, while ensuring that absentee ballot applications for military personnel and overseas citizens comply with federal guidelines.

Further, the bill addresses absentee voting and recanvassing procedures, allowing former residents to apply for a "presidential ballot" and mandating the appointment of absentee ballot coordinators for municipal elections. It clarifies the definition of "immediate family" for voting assistance and revises recanvassing procedures to ensure transparency and accountability. Notably, it requires defeated candidates to file a waiver to forgo a recanvass and mandates the Secretary of the State to notify clerks about offices qualifying for automatic recanvass. The bill also repeals and substitutes various sections related to petition certifications and campaign financing, allowing unlimited independent expenditures and establishing the Long Island Sound Foundation as a state-chartered nonprofit. Overall, House Bill No. 6849 aims to streamline election processes and clarify regulations surrounding campaign financing and land classification.

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