Bill > S02352

This bill, known as the "deceptive practices and voter suppression prevention act," makes it a civil violation to knowingly spread false information about elections, such as the time, place, or manner of voting, voter eligibility, or a candidate's party affiliation, if that information deters someone from voting. It also establishes that intentionally suppressing or threatening to suppress someone's right to vote, or compelling them to vote or not vote for a particular candidate or proposition, is a misdemeanor, with attempts being a lesser misdemeanor. The bill clarifies that "suppress" means using force, authority, or abuse of power to prevent, restrain, inhibit, or compel someone's actions regarding voting. Importantly, it allows individuals harmed by these actions to pursue civil remedies like injunctions and grants the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with district attorneys in prosecuting these offenses. The bill also revises penalties for election law violations, making subsequent misdemeanors felonies and defining felony offenses as class E for a first offense and class D for subsequent offenses.