Substitute House Bill No. 7245 aims to enhance voter registration processes in Connecticut by establishing a deadline for the implementation of automatic voter registration (AVR) systems at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and other voter registration agencies. The bill mandates that the DMV Commissioner include a voter registration application with every driver's license and identity card application, with the application needing approval from the Secretary of the State and not requiring witnessing. It also introduces an electronic system for processing these applications, which must verify eligibility and transmit applications to registrars of voters. The bill imposes a financial penalty of $5,000 per day for noncompliance with the electronic system implementation by March 31, 2027, with funds deducted from the DMV's appropriated budget and transferred to the Secretary of the State's office.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces several sections of the general statutes related to voter registration, including provisions that allow change of address forms submitted to the DMV to serve as notifications for voter registration changes. It expands the definition of voter registration agencies to include public libraries, schools, and other institutions, thereby increasing accessibility to voter registration. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, allowing time for necessary adjustments before the compliance deadline. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline voter registration processes and ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-19i, 9-23n, 9-23o, 9-23p
GAE Joint Favorable: 9-19i, 9-23n, 9-23o, 9-23p
File No. 695: 9-19i, 9-23n, 9-23o, 9-23p