This bill mandates that cities and towns ensure access to voting for individuals with disabilities by requiring each polling place to have at least one accessible voting system. It amends current law by replacing the term "pilot" with "an" in the agreements with the Secretary of State for the use of these systems, thereby establishing a more permanent arrangement rather than a temporary trial. Additionally, the bill requires local governments to bear the costs associated with programming and maintaining these systems, while the Secretary of State will provide guidance and support for their implementation.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Election Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, specifically for funding accessible voting systems. It stipulates that the Secretary of State must utilize any available federal funds before tapping into this appropriation. The bill also repeals a previous provision related to a pilot program for accessible voting systems, indicating a shift towards a more structured and funded approach to ensuring accessibility in local elections. The estimated fiscal impact suggests significant costs for local governments in implementing these systems, with potential expenses reaching up to $2.17 million in subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:20-b