Senate Bill 595 seeks to improve compliance with the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) by amending Wisconsin's voter registration and management statutes. The bill requires the Elections Commission to address complaints regarding HAVA violations, including those against itself, and mandates resolution within 89 days. It establishes a transparent process for hearings on these complaints, ensuring public access to records. Additionally, the bill calls for regular updates to data-sharing agreements with the Department of Transportation and the Office of Vital Records to verify voter eligibility and citizenship.

The legislation also implements stricter measures for maintaining the integrity of the voter registration list, requiring the removal of ineligible voters rather than simply changing their status. It mandates a biennial audit by the Legislative Audit Bureau to identify non-citizens on the registration list and notify them to provide proof of citizenship. The bill introduces a fee structure for obtaining copies of the voter registration list and emphasizes accurate voter information through regular data matching. Furthermore, it requires the commission to maintain a permanent record of removals from the voter registration list and modifies the process for updating the status of electors who register in another state, necessitating their complete removal from the list.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 5.056, 5.061(3), 5.061, 6.275(1)(f), 6.275, 6.32(4), 6.32, 6.33(4), 6.33, 6.33(5)(a)1, 6.36(1)(d), 6.36, 6.36(1)(e)