Bill > H0450

This bill amends Vermont election law to strengthen the impartiality of recount committees by requiring candidates to nominate "disinterested individuals" to serve on these committees during contested elections. Specifically, the bill mandates that when a recount is requested, candidates must submit lists of at least 10 nominees who are not relatives or subordinates of the candidates and who do not share a direct financial interest with them. The county clerk will notify candidates to provide these nominee lists, and if they fail to do so within two business days, they will receive a 24-hour extension. The Superior Court must then appoint a minimum of 12 committee members from these nominations, aiming to balance representation by appointing an equal number of disinterested individuals from each candidate's list and seeking to complete the recount within one day. The bill defines a "disinterested individual" explicitly to prevent potential conflicts of interest, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing ample time for election officials and candidates to understand and implement the new requirements.