House Bill No. 6849 proposes a series of minor and technical revisions to the Government Administration and Elections statutes, with an effective date of October 1, 2025, and certain provisions taking effect earlier on July 1, 2025. Key amendments include updates to the definition of "mineral" in section 3-56a, the requirement for department heads to appoint a deputy in their absence in section 4-8, and an expanded definition of "contact information" for candidates in section 9-4a to include electronic links to the Federal Election Commission's website. The bill also enhances the process for removing electors from the registry list in section 9-32, ensuring proper confirmation before removal, and clarifies that names on the inactive registry list will not count towards petition signature requirements in section 9-35c.

Additionally, the bill addresses absentee voting by expanding eligibility to include military personnel and U.S. citizens residing abroad, while also modifying the application process to accept forms from federal agencies. It establishes requirements for absentee ballot coordinators and revises provisions for assisting voters with disabilities, including penalties for deceptive practices. The recanvass procedures are also updated to ensure transparency and integrity, allowing only recanvass officials to participate while permitting party representatives to observe and report irregularities. The bill further addresses funding for the Citizens' Election Fund, ensuring that tax revenues will cover any shortfalls, and introduces the Long Island Sound Foundation, Inc. as a successor to the Long Island Sound Assembly, all aimed at streamlining processes and clarifying existing laws without imposing fiscal impacts on the state or municipalities.

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