Substitute House Bill No. 7230 seeks to amend existing election laws in Connecticut, specifically 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 ruling or vote count error to file a complaint in the Superior Court for the judicial districts of Hartford or Bridgeport within fourteen days after an election or seven days after a manual tabulation of ballots. It also mandates timely court hearings and notifications to relevant parties, including the Secretary of the State and the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Additionally, Section 9-325 is repealed and replaced, changing the process for addressing legal questions raised during hearings, with findings now being transmitted to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for immediate review.

The bill further modifies the jurisdictional provisions for election-related complaints, requiring that actions be filed in Hartford or Bridgeport rather than any Superior Court. It introduces a reimbursement process for parties sending notification letters regarding potential violations, with a cap on reimbursement amounts. The bill emphasizes gender-neutral language and allows for tailored remedies to address violations, ensuring compliance with the Constitution of Connecticut. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to complaints and actions brought on or after that date, aiming to enhance the integrity of the electoral process and protect the rights of marginalized communities.

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