SB 537-FN (2024): allowing the processing of absentee ballots.

SB 537-FN (2024)

allowing the processing of absentee ballots.

• Status: Indefinitely postponed
• Term: 2023-2024
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections

The Story

It was introduced on January 3, 2024 and referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 13, 2024. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2024-1238s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2024-1238s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 5, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On April 5, 2024 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House and was referred to the House Election Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 30, 2024, with 44 people signed in online: 37 in support and 7 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 30, 2024 to vote on its recommendation. The committee recommended, on a tied vote of 10–10, which carries no majority, that the House make no recommendation, and the report was placed on the regular calendar. A floor amendment (2024-1852h), offered by Reps. Lane and Brennan, was rejected on a division vote 180–185 on May 9, 2024. On May 9, 2024 the House voted to kill it and bar the subject for the rest of the term on a division vote 187–179, on a motion by Rep. Joe Sweeney. On May 9, 2024 the House failed “Lay SB537 on Table” on a roll call 180–186, on a motion by Rep. Connie Lane.

Sponsors

• Sen. Donna Soucy (D - SD18) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21)
• Rep. Angela Brennan (D - Merr 9)
• Rep. Connie Lane (D - Merr 16)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 13, 2024, 9:45 AM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, LOB 103
• April 30, 2024, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Election Law, LOB 301-303
• April 30, 2024, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Election Law, LOB 301-303

Votes

• April 5, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-1238s — voice vote, passed
• May 9, 2024, House: Adopt Floor Amendment — yeas 180, nays 185, failed
• May 9, 2024, House: Indefinitely Postpone — yeas 187, nays 179, passed
• May 9, 2024, House: Lay on Table — yeas 180, nays 186, failed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 657:18
• RSA 659
• RSA 657:7
• RSA 657:16
• RSA 657:17
• RSA 659:50
• RSA 659:49-b

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 7
• SC 13