LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6371 NOTE PREPARED: Jan 21, 2025
BILL NUMBER: SB 199 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Conduct of Primary Elections.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Gaskill BILL STATUS: As Passed Senate
FIRST SPONSOR: Rep. Wesco
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: The bill provides that two or more candidates of a political party may sign a
written statement indicating their desire to name a watcher to be present at a county primary election.
(Current law requires that 26% or more of all candidates of a political party must sign a written statement
to indicate a desire to name a watcher.) The bill allows a county chairman of a political party to appoint a
watcher to each precinct in which the political party has a candidate on the ballot if two or more candidates
do not sign a written statement to request a watcher.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures: The provision should minimally impact Election Division expenditures
and staff time. It is possible the Division may need to update their election publications to incorporate the
changes within the bill regarding watchers. However, it is likely any changes could be included with other
routine edits that occur to their publications each year.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: Watchers are not compensated by the county for their election day
service. Therefore county expenditures should not be impacted by this provision.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Election Division.
Local Agencies Affected: Counties, precinct election boards.
Information Sources:
https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/files/2024-Election-Day-Handbook-FINAL.pdf
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Baker, 317-232-9851.
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