HB 12-1293: Modifications to Recall Election Procedures

• Requires recall petitions to be approved "as to form" by designated election officials before circulation and signatures are counted, establishing a seven business day approval timeline instead of the previous two business day standard.

• Prohibits profane or false statements in recall petition grounds and officer justification statements, with officer statements capped at 300 words.

• Extends the petition circulation period to 60 days after form approval and allows petitions to be amended once to collect additional signatures or cure circulator affidavits within that timeframe.

• Specifies that recall elections are canceled if the officer resigns before the deadline to submit successor candidate petitions, but held if resignation occurs after that deadline.

• Adds procedures for nonpartisan recall mail ballot elections requiring designated election officials to submit written plans to the Secretary of State within five calendar days of calling the election, and establishes that political subdivisions must reimburse county clerk and recorder expenses for recall election duties.