Substitute House Bill No. 5529 mandates that registrars of voters in municipalities must notify specific entities at least 14 days prior to any election, primary, or referendum about the use of electronic poll books for checking in voters. The entities to be notified include town committees, political committees focused on referendum questions, and candidate committees for those appearing on the ballot. This requirement aims to ensure transparency regarding the voting process and the tools used for voter verification.
Additionally, the bill imposes a minimum fine of $50 on registrars who fail to provide the required notice. It is important to note that the bill does not specify a maximum fine amount or the enforcement mechanism for this penalty. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and includes new legal language regarding the notification process and penalties, while also clarifying existing definitions related to elections and voting.