General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5344 proposes significant amendments to the procedures for filing complaints related to election cases in Connecticut. The bill mandates that any elector or candidate aggrieved by election rulings or vote counts must file their complaints in the Superior Court for either the judicial district of Hartford or Bridgeport, replacing previous provisions that allowed for broader jurisdiction. It establishes specific timelines for filing complaints, either before or within fourteen days after an election, and requires complainants to notify the State Elections Enforcement Commission. The bill also introduces new provisions for the court's handling of these complaints, including expedited hearings and final findings on election errors, while allowing for appeals to the Supreme Court on legal questions raised during these hearings.

Additionally, the bill modifies the jurisdictional provisions for election violations, specifying that actions must be brought in the designated superior courts rather than in the municipality where the violation occurred. It repeals and replaces several subsections of existing statutes, including section 9-329a, to streamline the process for seeking preclearance of covered policies by the Secretary of the State. The bill emphasizes the need for tailored remedies if a municipality is found in violation of election provisions, ensuring equitable participation in the political process. Overall, Raised Bill No. 5344 aims to enhance the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process while providing clear avenues for addressing violations, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-324, 9-325, 9-328, 9-329a, 9-329b