HB 1266 (2020): making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease.

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“HB 1266 (2020): making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2020/hb1266. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
APA
Granite Record. (n.d.). HB 1266 (2020): making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease. Retrieved 24 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/bill/2020/hb1266
Chicago
Granite Record. “HB 1266 (2020): making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease.” Accessed 24 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2020/hb1266.
BibTeX
@misc{bill-2020-hb1266, title = {HB 1266 (2020): making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2020/hb1266}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

HB 1266 (2020)

making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease.

  • Status: Signed into law
  • Term: 2019-2020
  • House committee: Election Law
  • Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
  • Subject: Elections
  • Chapter law: 14

The Story

It was introduced on January 8, 2020 and referred to the House Election Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 14, 2020. The committee held work sessions on February 12, 2020 and February 20, 2020. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2020 and March 4, 2020. The committee voted 16–4 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2020-0791h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2020-0791h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 12, 2020, changing the text of the bill. On March 12, 2020 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on June 16, 2020 and was referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2020. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2020-1582s). The committee's amendment (2020-1582s) was adopted on a voice vote on June 29, 2020, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2020-1608s), offered by Sen. Sherman, was adopted on a voice vote on June 29, 2020, changing the text of the bill. On June 29, 2020 the Senate voted to pass it with changes and ordered it to a third reading. On June 30, 2020 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment” on a roll call 221–101, on a motion by Rep. Cote. The bill was enrolled on June 30, 2020 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2020-1616e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The bill was enrolled on July 10, 2020 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2020-1616e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor signed it on July 17, 2020, making it Chapter 14 of the session laws.

Sponsors

Hearings and Sessions

  • January 14, 2020, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Election Law, LOB 308
  • February 12, 2020, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Election Law, LOB 308
  • February 20, 2020, 3:00 PM: subcommittee work session, House Election Law, LOB 308
  • March 3, 2020, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Election Law, LOB 308
  • March 4, 2020, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Election Law, LOB 308
  • June 25, 2020, 2:05 PM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Votes

  • March 12, 2020, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2020-0791h — voice vote, passed
  • June 29, 2020, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 24, nays 0, passed
  • July 1, 2020, House: Concur — yeas 221, nays 101, passed

The Docket

  • January 8, 2020: Introduced 01/08/2020 and referred to Election Law
  • January 14, 2020: Public Hearing: 01/14/2020 10:30 am LOB 308
  • February 12, 2020: Subcommittee Work Session: 02/12/2020 10:00 am LOB 308
  • February 20, 2020: Subcommittee Work Session: 02/20/2020 03:00 pm LOB 308 (or after session)
  • March 3, 2020: Executive Session: 03/03/2020 11:00 am LOB 308
  • March 4, 2020: Executive Session: 03/04/2020 11:00 am LOB 308 (if not exec'd on the 3rd)
  • March 11, 2020: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2020-0791h for 03/11/2020 (Vote 16-4; RC)
  • March 12, 2020: Amendment #2020-0791h : AA VV 03/12/2020
  • March 12, 2020: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2020-0791h: MA VV 03/12/2020
  • June 16, 2020: Introduced 06/16/2020 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs
  • June 19, 2020: Remote Hearing: 06/25/2020, 02:10 pm, on proposed amendment #2020-1562s
  • June 19, 2020: Committee members will receive secure Zoom invitations via email
  • June 19, 2020: Members of the public may attend using the following links:
  • June 19, 2020: 1. To sign-in and/or speak in support or opposition, please register in advance by using this link: https://www.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PTTnQnIkQP-k8rHDlcyGiw
  • June 19, 2020: 2. To submit your testimony to the committee, please send all documents via email to [email protected]
  • June 19, 2020: 3. To listen via telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): 1-301-715-8592, or 1-312-626-6799, or 1-929-205-6099, or 1-253-215-8782, or 1-346-248-7799, or 1-669-900-6833
  • June 19, 2020: 4. Or iPhone one-tap: 13126266799,,91777487582# or 19292056099,,91777487582#
  • June 19, 2020: 5. Webinar ID: 917 7748 7582
  • June 19, 2020: 6. To view/listen to this hearing on YouTube, use this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjBZdtrjRnQdmg-2MPMiWrA
  • June 19, 2020: The following email will be monitored throughout the meeting by someone who can assist with and alert the committee to any technical issues: [email protected] or call (603-271-3043)
  • June 25, 2020: Remote Hearing: 06/25/2020, 02:05 pm
  • June 29, 2020: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2020-1582s , 06/29/2020
  • June 29, 2020: Committee Amendment #2020-1582s , AA, VV; 06/29/2020
  • June 29, 2020: Sen. Sherman Floor Amendment #2020-1608s , AA, VV; 06/29/2020
  • June 29, 2020: Ought to Pass with Amendment s 2020-1582s, and 2020-1608s, RC 24Y-0N, MA; OT3rdg; 06/29/2020
  • June 30, 2020: House Concurs with Senate Amendment (Rep. Cote): MA RC 221-101 06/30/2020
  • June 30, 2020: Enrolled Bill Amendment #2020-1616e : AA VV 06/30/2020
  • June 30, 2020: Enrolled 06/30/2020
  • July 1, 2020: Enrolled Bill Amendment #2020-1616e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/29/2020)
  • July 10, 2020: Enrolled (In recess 06/29/2020)
  • July 17, 2020: Signed by Governor Sununu 07/17/2020; Chapter 14; I. Sec. 10-13 Eff: 01/01/2021 II. Rem. Eff: 07/17/2020

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court