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Bill > S0098


VT S0098

VT S0098
An act relating to miscellaneous changes to election law


summary

Introduced
02/28/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Session

Bill Summary

This bill proposes to automatically register a person to vote when the person applies for participation in Reach Ahead services and require State agencies to report to the General Assembly concerning opportunities to expand automatic voter registration through the application and registration forms used by those State agencies. This bill also proposes to allow any individual 16 years of age or older to preregister to vote for an election, provided that the individual will be 18 years of age or older on or before the day of the election. This bill also proposes to amend the threshold contribution and expenditure amounts that trigger campaign finance reporting under 17 V.S.A. § 2964 and establish penalties for delinquent filing of campaign finance reports and disclosures. This bill also proposes to establish the Democracy Certificate Program to replace the current option of S.98 public financing for campaigns. This bill also proposes to require employers to provide four hours of protected leave time to allow employees to vote on statewide election days.

AI Summary

This bill proposes several significant changes to Vermont's election laws. It introduces automatic voter registration when individuals apply for Reach Ahead services, allowing state agencies to integrate voter registration into their application systems. The bill permits individuals 16 years and older to preregister to vote, though they can only vote once they turn 18. It also establishes a new Democracy Certificate Program to replace the existing public campaign financing option, where voters can receive four $25 certificates to allocate to candidates of their choice. The bill modifies campaign finance reporting requirements, introducing penalties for delinquent filing and adjusting contribution thresholds. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers provide employees with up to four hours of protected, unpaid time off to vote during statewide elections, ensuring workers have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process without fear of workplace repercussions. These changes aim to increase voter participation, simplify voter registration, provide more transparent campaign financing, and make voting more accessible for working Vermonters. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing time for implementation and preparation by relevant state agencies and organizations.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Senate Committee on Government Operations Hearing (00:00:00 5/9/2025 ) (on 05/09/2025)

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