Summary of Bill S 198

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 198
• Title: Requires each certificate of death to also be filed with each board of elections within the state
• Status: Referred to Health
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 198 aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that the death records of individuals are systematically filed with each board of elections across the state. This measure is intended to prevent potential voter fraud by maintaining accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists.

Key Provisions

• Filing Requirement: The bill mandates that every certificate of death be submitted to the relevant board of elections in addition to the standard filing with vital records offices.
• Implementation: The bill does not specify the timeline for implementation or the procedures for how boards of elections will handle the incoming death certificates, which may be outlined in subsequent regulations or guidelines.

Affected Parties

• Boards of Elections: Each board of elections in the state will be responsible for receiving and processing death certificates.
• Voter Registration Systems: The bill will impact how voter registration databases are maintained, as deceased individuals will be removed from the rolls more efficiently.
• Families of Deceased Individuals: Families may need to be aware of this requirement when handling the affairs of deceased loved ones, as it could affect the timing and process of filing death certificates.

Procedural Aspects

• Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Health Committee for further consideration.
• Related Legislation:
  • S 5983: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
  • A 7699: A companion bill that may provide additional context or provisions related to the filing of death certificates.

Conclusion

Bill S 198 seeks to improve the accuracy of voter registration lists by requiring the filing of death certificates with boards of elections. By doing so, it aims to bolster the integrity of the electoral process and reduce the potential for voter fraud. The bill is currently under review by the Health Committee, and further developments will clarify its implementation and impact.