Substitute House Bill No. 5253 aims to reform voting procedures for fire districts in Connecticut by mandating that all votes at fire district meetings be conducted using paper ballots, with no absentee voting permitted. Effective July 1, 2027, the bill allows qualified voters who believe their voting rights have been violated to file complaints with the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC), which will have the authority to investigate these complaints and impose civil penalties for violations. Key insertions in the bill include the SEEC's expanded powers to investigate voting-related complaints, hold fire district officers personally liable for violations, and the ability to subpoena documents and witnesses. The bill also establishes a quorum requirement for district meetings and updates terminology related to voting equipment.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to enhance the SEEC's oversight capabilities, including the authority to impose civil penalties of up to $2,000 per offense and to conduct audits of candidate committees. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of the term "Elections Enforcement Commission" in favor of "commission," streamlining the commission's identity and responsibilities. The bill also clarifies that the commission will not issue advisory opinions related to certain election laws during the 180 days leading up to a state election. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure fair voting practices within fire districts while strengthening enforcement mechanisms to address violations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-327
GOS Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-327
File No. 319: 7-327