Substitute Bill No. 463 is designed to enhance the security and integrity of election processes, effective July 1, 2026. The bill imposes restrictions on the presence of law enforcement and authorized personnel within 250 feet of election sites, such as polling places and early voting locations, allowing their presence only under specific conditions, such as having a judicial warrant or being requested by election officials. It also prohibits individuals from wearing masks that obscure their identity near these sites, except for certain valid reasons, and eliminates the requirement for identification in this vicinity. Additionally, the bill criminalizes the possession of firearms or deadly weapons within the same 250-foot radius, with violations resulting in a class C felony charge and disenfranchisement.

The legislation further strengthens protections for election workers by defining their roles and establishing penalties for election interference, including a class A misdemeanor for disclosing personal information of election workers with intent to harass. It mandates that municipal officials notify the Attorney General and Secretary of the State within thirty-six hours of receiving subpoenas related to election records and empowers the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief against election interference. The bill also enhances the authority of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, allowing it to maintain custody of election materials and investigate rights violations. Notably, it amends section 3-129g of the general statutes to include updated language regarding intervention criteria, with all changes set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-364a, 9-352
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-364a, 9-352
File No. 570: 9-364a, 9-352
JUD Joint Favorable: 9-364a, 9-352