Substitute House Bill No. 7229 seeks to improve the absentee voting process for individuals in state custody who retain their voting rights. The bill mandates the Secretary of the State to create a specific absentee ballot application form for use within Department of Correction (DOC) facilities, which must include essential information and indicate that it is exclusively for incarcerated applicants. It also requires that if an applicant is transferred to another facility, the Commissioner of Correction must ensure the absentee voting materials are delivered to the new location. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals in state custody are considered absent from their town or city for voting purposes, regardless of the facility's location, and establishes that municipal clerks must maintain a log of applications from incarcerated individuals while outlining rejection criteria for non-compliant applications.

The legislation includes technical updates, such as exempting DOC employees from certain registration requirements when distributing absentee ballot applications, thereby streamlining the process for both voters and correctional staff. The bill also expands the definition of "absent" to encompass eligible voters in any DOC facility, allowing them to apply for absentee ballots without the previous restrictions. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and are designed to ensure that the voting rights of incarcerated individuals are protected while facilitating their access to absentee ballots.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-139a, 9-14a
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-139a, 9-14a
File No. 694: 9-139a, 9-14a