Substitute House Bill No. 7230 seeks to amend existing election laws in Connecticut, particularly regarding the filing and handling of complaints related to election rulings and vote counts. The bill repeals and replaces Section 9-324, allowing any elector or candidate aggrieved by an election official's decision to file a complaint in the Superior Court for the judicial districts of Hartford or Bridgeport within specified timeframes—fourteen days after an election or seven days after a manual tabulation. It also mandates notification to the State Elections Enforcement Commission and outlines a structured process for hearings, including timelines for notice and court responsibilities. Additionally, Section 9-325 is repealed and substituted to streamline the handling of legal questions during hearings, directing the court to send findings to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for immediate review instead of filing with the Secretary of the State.

The bill further emphasizes the use of gender-neutral language and clarifies that the court's findings on election disputes will be final unless appealed. It establishes a more structured timeline for handling complaints, requiring expedited hearings and timely decisions, and allows the court to order recounts and corrections based on its findings. The jurisdiction for various election-related complaints is centralized to the Superior Courts of Hartford or Bridgeport, enhancing the efficiency of the legal process. The bill also addresses the reimbursement process for parties notifying about potential violations, setting a cap on reimbursements and modifying jurisdiction for filing claims. Overall, these amendments aim to improve the electoral process, protect voting rights, and ensure timely resolutions to election-related complaints. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-324, 9-325, 9-328, 9-329a, 9-329b, 9-453e, 9-453j, 9-453o, 9-410
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-324, 9-325, 9-328, 9-329a, 9-329b
File No. 651: 9-324, 9-325, 9-328, 9-329a, 9-329b