The bill H.450, introduced by Representatives Emmons and Morris, aims to amend the process for appointing recount committees in the event of a contested election. It requires candidates to nominate a minimum of ten disinterested individuals to serve on the recount committee, ensuring that these nominees do not have any personal or financial interests in the election outcome. The bill also stipulates that the Superior Court is prohibited from appointing any interested parties to the recount committee, thereby enhancing the impartiality of the recount process.

Specifically, the bill amends 17 V.S.A. § 2602a by replacing the term "persons" with "disinterested individuals" in the context of appointments made by the Superior Court. Additionally, it defines a "disinterested individual" as someone who is not related to or subordinate to the candidates and does not share any direct financial interest with them. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 17-2602a