Raised Bill No. 463 is designed to enhance the security and integrity of election processes, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill introduces several prohibitions, including barring federal or state officers authorized to use force from being within 250 feet of election sites unless they possess a judicial warrant or are requested by election officials. It also prohibits individuals from wearing masks that obscure their identity near these sites and states that no person shall be required to present identification within 250 feet of election locations. Violations of these provisions would result in a class C felony and disfranchisement. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for possessing firearms or deadly weapons near election sites, classifying a first offense as a class D felony and subsequent offenses as class B felonies.

The bill further addresses election-related offenses by increasing penalties for tampering with voting tabulators or ballots, categorizing a first offense as a class A misdemeanor and subsequent offenses as class C felonies. It also classifies various forms of election fraud, such as tampering with drop boxes or altering ballots, as class D felonies. Municipal officials are required to report any subpoenas or requests for election-related records to the Attorney General and the Secretary of the State within thirty-six hours. The Attorney General is empowered to seek injunctive relief to prevent election interference and can investigate practices that deprive individuals of their voting rights, including physical obstruction. Overall, Raised Bill No. 463 aims to create a safer electoral environment while imposing stricter penalties for violations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-364a, 9-352