SB249 Summary

• Revises and consolidates existing election offense laws, repealing Chapter 17 of Title 17 and establishing new sections to address voter fraud and election violations with specific penalties.

• Prohibits state and local government employees from using public funds, property, or time for political activities and forbids officials from soliciting political contributions from subordinate employees; violations are Class A misdemeanors.

• Establishes Class D felony offenses for voter fraud including false voter registration, impersonation at polling places, voting while ineligible, and signing another's name on poll lists.

• Creates Class C felony offenses for election officials who tamper with voting machines, fail to count legal votes, or falsify election results; absentee ballot fraud is also a Class C felony.

• Imposes a five-year prohibition on holding public office, serving as appointed officials, notary public, poll workers, or election officials for anyone convicted of specified election offenses; effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.