The proposed bill establishes a task force aimed at studying methods to achieve 100% voter participation in the state by January 1, 2030, and enhancing civic engagement. The task force will consist of nine members, including the Secretary of the State and various appointees from legislative leaders and the Governor. It is tasked with examining the experiences of jurisdictions that have implemented mandatory voting policies, assessing the needs of municipal officials for administering elections with full participation, and identifying necessary budgetary resources. The task force is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation for funding municipal efforts to increase voter participation, by February 1, 2026.
Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to create pilot programs to promote the goal of achieving 100% voter participation within their jurisdictions, utilizing existing resources. These programs may include civic engagement initiatives such as voter outreach and education campaigns, while adhering to state election laws. The bill also includes a modification in House Amendment "A," which reduces the number of task force members appointed by the House speaker and Senate president pro tempore from two to one each. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025.