Provides for notice to individuals in pre-trial detention of their right to vote

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

Requires pre-trial detainees to receive notice of their right to vote, ensuring delivery by detention/court staff with accessible language, boosting awareness and turnout.

REFERRED TO CODES

Summary of S 7511 — Provides for notice to individuals in pre-trial detention of their right to vote

Overview

S 7511 is a bill introduced on April 21, 2025, and referred to the Codes Committee. Its stated aim is to ensure that individuals who are in pre-trial detention are informed of their right to vote. The primary sponsor is Cordell Cleare.

Purpose and Intent

To guarantee that people held in pre-trial detention receive notice about their voting rights.

To reduce informational barriers that may prevent detained individuals from exercising their right to vote while awaiting trial.

Key Provisions (what the bill would do)

Require notice to pre-trial detainees regarding their right to vote.

The notice would presumably be provided by a relevant official or entity involved in the detention or arraignment process.

The bill would specify the content, timing, and manner of delivery of the notice (exact language and requirements will be defined in the bill’s text).

Provisions may address accessibility, including multi-language notice or other accommodations (details would be in the finalized text).

Note: The specific language, enforcement mechanisms, and exact timelines are not provided in the summary you shared. The above reflects the general intended effect based on the bill’s title and description.

Affected Parties

Individuals currently in pre-trial detention (i.e., detainees awaiting trial).

Detention facilities, court staff, and election officials who would be involved in delivering or coordinating the notice.

Potentially, advocates or legal aid organizations serving detained individuals (indirectly through awareness of voting rights).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: April 21, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Codes Committee (listed twice in the record you provided).

Next steps would typically include committee review, potential amendments, and, if approved, floor consideration and votes. Any fiscal impact or regulatory impact would be assessed during committee and fiscal reviews in the legislative process.

Sponsors and Related Legislation

Primary sponsor: Cordell Cleare.

Related bills (prior-session): S 5736, S 8122, S 586, S 5098. These bills may address similar topics or build on prior efforts to ensure voting rights information is accessible to detainees.

Potential Impact

Positive: Improves detainees’ awareness of voting rights, potentially increasing turnout among the pre-trial detained population and reducing information gaps.

Administrative: Requires detention facilities and/or court staff to implement a new notice procedure, with potential cost implications for printing/translation and staff training.

Legal/Equity: Aligns with broader efforts to protect and facilitate voting rights for individuals in the justice system.

Next Steps for Tracking

Monitor for committee actions in the Codes Committee.

Review the bill text for specific notice content, delivery method, language accessibility, and any enforcement or penalties.

See if amendments emerge and whether the bill advances to the floor for a full vote.