This bill amends several sections of Louisiana's election laws to enhance the integrity and security of the voting process. Key provisions include the requirement for individuals assisting voters to complete a voter assistance form that documents their relationship to the voter and whether they were compensated for their assistance. Additionally, the bill prohibits the distribution of unsolicited absentee by mail ballot applications and establishes an emergency procedure for distributing these applications in the event of a gubernatorially declared disaster or emergency.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new restrictions on absentee voting applications, stating that only immediate family members may submit more than one marked ballot application per election. It also specifies that if an absentee ballot is returned as undeliverable, the applicant's application will no longer be valid, necessitating a new application with a current address. The bill includes provisions for penalties related to the improper distribution and collection of absentee ballot applications and ballots. The effective date for the majority of these changes is set for January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB218 Original: 18:564(B)(5), 18:1307(B)(1), 18:3(B)(4), 18:7(A)(6)
SB218 Engrossed: 18:564(B)(5), 18:1307(B)(1), 18:3(B)(4), 18:7(A)(6)
SB218 Reengrossed: 18:564(B)(5), 18:1307(B)(1), 18:3(B)(4), 18:7(A)(6)
SB218 Enrolled: 18:564(B)(5), 18:1307(B)(1), 18:3(B)(4), 18:7(A)(6)
SB218 Act 317: 18:564(B)(5), 18:1307(B)(1), 18:3(B)(4), 18:7(A)(6)