Bill > SB929

This bill establishes a Workgroup on Mail-In Ballot Accessibility to comprehensively examine and improve voting processes for individuals with disabilities. The Workgroup will consist of 12 members, including representatives from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates, state agency heads (such as the State Administrator of Elections and Secretary of Information Technology), disability advocates, and experts in election administration, security, and cybersecurity. The Workgroup's primary responsibilities include investigating current mail-in ballot return processes, assessing their impact on voters with disabilities, exploring accessible alternatives used in other jurisdictions, and evaluating potential alternatives based on factors like accessibility, security, potential discrimination, voter privacy, and implementation feasibility. The group is required to consult with the National Institute of Standards and Technology on cybersecurity issues and will receive administrative support from the State Board of Elections. Members will not be compensated but can receive travel expense reimbursement. By December 31, 2025, the Workgroup must submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly. The bill will be in effect from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, after which it will automatically be abrogated.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0929?ys=2025RS