CT HB05253

Requires all fire district annual and special meetings to use paper ballots for voting on each agenda item, with only in-person voting permitted and no absentee ballots allowed, effective July 1, 2027

Grants the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) jurisdiction to investigate complaints about fire district voting violations, with authority to subpoena records, hold hearings, and levy civil penalties up to $2,000 per offense

Allows courts to award attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and punitive damages in appeals of SEEC decisions, and permits holding fire district officers personally liable for knowingly and willfully engaging in voting procedure violations

Authorizes courts to order new votes on fire district officer elections or other business when violations are found

Requires SEEC to coordinate with all Connecticut fire districts before July 1, 2027 to promote implementation and compliance with the new voting requirements