This bill amends the current law regarding the distribution of absentee ballot applications by the Secretary of State. Specifically, it introduces a new requirement that absentee ballot applications cannot be sent to city or town clerks more than 45 days before an election. The bill includes provisions for the Secretary of State to maintain a record of when and how these applications are sent, as well as the number of applications forwarded to clerks. The new legal language inserted into the law emphasizes the 45-day timeline and the record-keeping responsibilities of the Secretary of State.

Additionally, the bill does not provide any funding or authorize new positions, and its fiscal impact is considered indeterminable. The Department of State has indicated that it requires further information to fully assess the financial implications, particularly regarding whether the bill intends to eliminate online applications in favor of a paper system. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 657:5