SB 431 Summary

• Repeals the legal definition of "designated bearer" while maintaining the practice of allowing designated bearers to handle absentee ballots under specified conditions.

• Establishes that designated bearers, authorized agents, and administrators can each handle a maximum of 2 absentee ballots per election, with county clerk registration, oath requirements, and photographic identification verification at all transactions.

• Creates criminal penalties including Class D felony charges, loss of election official eligibility, and inability to serve as agents/administrators for persons who unlawfully obtain absentee ballots or authorized agents/administrators who violate handling provisions.

• Removes designated bearers from certain absentee ballot application delivery methods while expanding the authorization form requirements and clarifying county clerk procedures for marking ballots handled by designated bearers, authorized agents, or administrators.

• Imposes perjury penalties of up to $10,000 in fines or 10 years imprisonment for false statements on required affidavits, with completion of oaths and written notices required for all absentee ballot handlers.