This bill mandates that election workers be compensated for attending required training programs at an hourly rate that aligns with the State minimum wage. Previously, under current law, payment for such training was at the discretion of the county, and there was no guarantee that workers would receive compensation. The bill amends R.S.19:45-6 to ensure that any member of the district board required to attend training will receive this hourly wage for the time spent in training, thereby establishing a clear requirement for payment.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for counties to seek reimbursement from the State for the costs associated with compensating election workers for their training. It specifies that counties can be reimbursed for both the standard compensation of $300 for election service and the hourly rate paid for training attendance. This change aims to provide financial support to counties while ensuring that election workers are fairly compensated for their time and effort in preparing for their roles. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:45-6.2