This bill establishes a pilot program for absentee ballot marking specifically designed for voters with disabilities who are unable to mark a ballot by hand. The state commissioner of elections is authorized to adopt rules to implement this program, which will allow these voters to independently and privately mark their ballots using assistive technology, including nonvisual and low-vision access tools. Additionally, the program must include a method for these voters to request an absentee ballot by mail.
The pilot program is required to be implemented in a sufficient number of counties to assess its feasibility for statewide application. The state commissioner is also mandated to submit an annual report to the general assembly by December 31 each year regarding the program's progress. This pilot program is set to be repealed on July 1, 2029.