WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 3735

Empowers the commissioner of education to declare a disaster has substantially impacted a school board or school budget election and to allow school boards to set an additional day for voting

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Mayer and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 3735 allows the Commissioner of Education to declare a disaster, enabling school boards to set an extra voting day for affected school elections, ensuring voter access.

SIGNED CHAP.547
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3735

Summary of Bill S 3735

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 3735 aims to empower the Commissioner of Education to declare a disaster that has significantly impacted a school board or school budget election. This legislation seeks to ensure that school boards have the flexibility to set an additional day for voting in the event of such a disaster, thereby safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in crucial school elections.

Key Provisions

  • Disaster Declaration: The bill grants the Commissioner of Education the authority to declare a disaster affecting school board or school budget elections.
  • Additional Voting Day: In the event of a disaster declaration, school boards are permitted to establish an additional day for voting. This provision is designed to accommodate voters who may be unable to participate on the originally scheduled election day due to the disaster.

Affected Parties

  • School Boards: The primary entities affected by this bill are local school boards, which will gain the ability to extend voting opportunities in response to disasters.
  • Voters: The legislation directly impacts voters in school board elections, ensuring they have the chance to cast their votes even if unforeseen circumstances arise.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Key Actions:
    • April 8, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
    • April 30, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and returned to the Senate.
    • April 30, 2025: Substituted for A5302 and ordered to third reading.
  • Current Status: The bill has been returned to the Senate after passing both chambers.

Related Legislation

  • S 7233: A related bill from a prior session.
  • A 6828: Another related bill from a prior session.
  • A 5302: A companion bill that has been substituted for S 3735.

Conclusion

Bill S 3735 represents a proactive approach to ensuring that school elections remain accessible and fair, even in the face of disasters. By allowing for an additional voting day, the bill aims to enhance voter participation and uphold the integrity of the electoral process within the education system.

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

Sign in to ask a question.