The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 459 seeks to amend existing laws governing the circulation of primary and nominating petitions, as well as the distribution of absentee ballot applications. Key provisions include a requirement that each circulator of a primary petition page must be an enrolled party member in the municipality where they are circulating, supported by a signed statement from the local registrar. The bill also prohibits individuals with felony convictions from circulating petitions during their probation or parole periods and for twelve years following their release. Additionally, the Secretary of the State is required to conduct nationwide criminal background checks on circulators to ensure compliance with these restrictions.

The legislation further modifies the requirements for nominating petitions, mandating that circulators be U.S. citizens, at least eighteen years old, and residents of the town where they are circulating. Similar restrictions apply to nominating petitions regarding individuals with felony convictions. The bill emphasizes the necessity for each petition page to include a statement on the authenticity of signatures, with non-compliant pages subject to rejection by the registrar or Secretary of the State. Furthermore, individuals must register with the municipal clerk before distributing five or more absentee ballot applications, with certain exceptions. The bill also prohibits anyone convicted of a crime under the relevant title from distributing absentee ballot applications during their probation or parole and for twelve years after release, with the municipal clerk responsible for rejecting any applications that violate this prohibition.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-453e, 9-453j