Senate Bill No. 134, introduced by Senator Seabaugh, aims to amend existing laws regarding voter registration and voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies. The bill stipulates that no person under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction is permitted to register or vote, eliminating previous provisions that allowed individuals who had not been incarcerated within the last five years to register. Additionally, the bill requires that the voter registration application form include an affidavit confirming that the applicant is not currently under such an order. It also mandates that clerks of court record felony convictions and provide necessary information to registrars of voters, while repealing certain definitions and conditions related to incarceration.

The proposed legislation further streamlines the process for reporting felony convictions to the Department of State and clarifies the conditions under which a person's voter registration can be reinstated after suspension. Specifically, it removes the requirement for individuals to demonstrate they have not been incarcerated within the last five years for reinstatement, allowing for a more straightforward process. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2024, and aims to enhance the clarity and efficiency of voter registration processes for individuals with felony convictions.

Statutes affected:
SB134 Original: 18:102(A)(1), 18:104(C)(1), 18:171(A), 18:1(A), 18:176(A)(2), 18:177(A)(1), 18:102(C)