Georgia Senate Bill SB179

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Electors; restrictions of voting rights for judicially incompetent persons; provide

Notes

Overall, Senate Bill 179 reflects ongoing debates in the realm of voting accessibility and electoral integrity, emphasizing the complexities involved with balancing these issues in state law.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB 179 could significantly impact various individuals' voting rights. If enacted, the bill would enforce stricter voting eligibility requirements concerning mental health status in conjunction with felony convictions. The bill specifies that these additional qualifications would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is ratified in the November 2024 general election. If the amendment is not ratified, the provisions in SB 179 would automatically repeal themselves by January 1, 2025.

Summary

Senate Bill 179 aims to amend the qualifications for electors in Georgia by introducing restrictions that would affect those deemed judicially incompetent. Specifically, the bill proposes that individuals who have been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent would be prohibited from registering to vote or remaining on the voter rolls until their competency is restored. This amendment also aligns with existing regulations concerning felony convictions, whereby individuals convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude cannot register or vote without completing their sentence.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB 179 are likely to center on the implications of restricting voting rights based on mental competence. Advocates for the bill may argue that these restrictions are necessary to uphold the integrity of elections, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of individuals with mental health issues. Critics could argue that the bill constitutes an overreach of government authority into personal rights, especially for individuals who may have the capacity to vote despite being under judicial restriction.