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Bill

A 347

Empowers the commissioner of a board of elections to order certain audits upon a finding of discrepancies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Brabenec and 6 co-sponsors

Bill A 347 empowers election commissioners to order audits when discrepancies arise, enhancing electoral integrity and boosting voter confidence in election outcomes.

PRINT NUMBER 347A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 347

Summary of Bill A 347

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 347
  • Title: Empowers the commissioner of a board of elections to order certain audits upon a finding of discrepancies
  • Status: PRINT NUMBER 347A
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 347 aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process by granting the commissioner of a board of elections the authority to initiate audits when discrepancies are identified in election results. The intent is to ensure that any irregularities are thoroughly investigated, thereby bolstering public confidence in the electoral system.

Key Provisions

  • Audit Authority: The bill specifically empowers the commissioner to order audits of election results if there are findings of discrepancies. This provision is designed to address concerns about election integrity and to provide a mechanism for accountability.
  • Scope of Audits: While the bill does not detail the specific criteria for what constitutes a "discrepancy," it implies that any significant inconsistencies in vote counts or reporting could trigger an audit.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025, and has undergone amendments and recommitment to the Election Law committee as of January 28, 2025. The timeline for implementation will depend on the legislative process and any further amendments.

Affected Parties

  • Election Officials: The bill directly impacts the responsibilities of the commissioner of the board of elections, as it expands their authority to act on discrepancies.
  • Voters: By enhancing the audit process, voters may feel more secure in the accuracy of election outcomes, potentially increasing public trust in the electoral system.
  • Political Candidates and Parties: Candidates and political parties may be affected by the outcomes of these audits, especially in close races where discrepancies could influence results.

Legislative Actions

  • January 8, 2025: The bill was referred to the Election Law committee.
  • January 28, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Election Law committee, followed by the printing of the amended version (347A).

Related Bills

  • A 8448 (prior-session): Related legislation from a previous session that may address similar issues.
  • A 913 (prior-session): Another prior bill that could have implications for election auditing processes.
  • A 876 (prior-session): A related bill that may provide context or additional measures concerning election integrity.

Conclusion

Bill A 347 represents a significant step towards ensuring electoral integrity by empowering election officials to conduct audits in response to discrepancies. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its provisions may evolve, but its core intent remains focused on enhancing the transparency and reliability of elections.

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

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