House Bill No. 490 aims to enhance voter registration opportunities for high school seniors in Louisiana by amending existing laws. The bill mandates that public school governing authorities provide an opportunity for seniors who are at least 17 years old to register to vote using school computers or state mail applications. Notably, the bill specifies that parental consent is not required for participation, although schools must notify parents each time the registration opportunity is offered. Additionally, the bill retains the prohibition on the involvement of political or partisan groups in the registration process and requires any individual or entity assisting with voter registration to register with the secretary of state and submit a copy of that registration to the school.

Furthermore, the bill requires public school governing authorities to adopt policies that conform to the Louisiana Election Code and mandates a review of these policies at least every five years. The secretary of state is tasked with developing guidance for schools on implementing these voter registration opportunities, ensuring that such guidance does not imply that parental consent is necessary or that any organization is prohibited from assisting, unless explicitly stated by law. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the voter registration process for high school seniors while maintaining compliance with election laws.

Statutes affected:
HB490 Original:
HB490 Engrossed:
HB490 Reengrossed: