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Bill

HD 2103

An Act assuring that polling places are accessible to elderly and physically challenged voters

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Creates a dedicated Polling Location Accessibility Fund and grant program to retrofit polling places for elderly and disabled voters, boosting accessibility and turnout.

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Bill Summary · HD 2103

Summary of House Bill HD 2103

An Act assuring that polling places are accessible to elderly and physically challenged voters

Overview

  • Bill Number: HD 2103 (House Docket No. 2103)
  • Title: An Act assuring that polling places are accessible to elderly and physically challenged voters
  • Introduced: January 15, 2025 (House filed; primary sponsor Bruce J. Ayers)
  • Status: Proposed bill (no final status provided in the excerpt)
  • Context: Builds on similar measures previously filed (e.g., H. 657 in 2023-2024)

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to ensure polling places are accessible to elderly and physically challenged voters and to remove barriers that impede voting. It creates a dedicated funding mechanism and grant program to retrofit polling locations and to support initiatives designed to increase turnout among these populations.

Key Provisions

Polling Location Accessibility Fund (Chapter 10)

  • Creates a new fund, the Polling Location Accessibility Fund, on the books of the Commonwealth.
  • Source of funds: annual appropriations and designated private donations; funds stay within the account and do not revert to the general fund.
  • Purpose of the fund:
    • Assist cities and towns in paying all or part of costs to improve the physical condition of polling locations that hinder access or movement for elderly and physically challenged residents.
    • Support programs to increase the percentage of elderly and physically challenged voters casting ballots in state or federal elections.
  • Administration and grants:
    • Grants awarded only on a competitive basis.
    • Awards granted at the discretion of the State Secretary, following rules/regulations.
  • Financial management:
    • Funds deposited with the Treasurer to maximize interest while ensuring liquidity and accessibility.
    • Unexpended funds carry over to subsequent fiscal years.

Grant Program (Chapter 54, Section 10A)

  • Authorizes the State Secretary to establish a grant program to assist cities and towns with polling location improvements.
  • Eligible uses include substantial alteration or remodeling of polling locations to better accommodate elderly and physically challenged voters.
  • Grants may also support efforts to increase turnout among these voters.
  • Grants are competitive and subject to available appropriations in the Polling Location Accessibility Fund (35X).
  • Execution is at the sole discretion of the State Secretary, within regulatory guidelines.

Who is Affected

  • Local governments (cities and towns) responsible for polling locations.
  • Elderly and physically challenged voters benefiting from improved accessibility and potentially higher turnout.

Procedural/Timeline Notes

  • The bill establishes ongoing funding and grant programs with no specified sunset.
  • Grant awards depend on annual appropriations and competitive processes set by the State Secretary.
  • There is a drafting inconsistency in cross-references (35X vs. 35R) regarding how the Fund integrates with Chapter 10 and the broader appropriation framework; would require alignment in final bill language.

Additional Context

  • Sponsor: Bruce J. Ayers (primary)
  • Similar prior work: Related measures previously filed as House No. 657 (2023-2024)

This bill would, if enacted, create a dedicated funding stream to modernize polling places for accessibility and to promote greater participation among elderly and physically challenged voters.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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