DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 351 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Jenkins
Abstract: Repeals the requirement that a person provide proof of disability and a certification from
a physician to be eligible to participate in the nursing home early voting program.
Present law (R.S. 18:1333) provides relative to the nursing home early voting program. Provides
requirements and procedures for the program, which requires the registrar to go to each nursing
home in the parish where voters eligible to vote pursuant to present law reside to assist them in
voting by mail.
Present law provides that a voter who participated in the former Special Program for Handicapped
Voters as such program existed prior to Jan. 1, 2010, and who is a resident or has become a resident
of a nursing home is eligible to participate in the program.
Present law additionally provides that a voter is eligible to participate in the program if the voter
resides in a nursing home and provides to the registrar of voters current proof of disability from a
physician along with a certification from the physician that the voter is unable to appear in person
to vote either during early voting or at the polling place.
Proposed law repeals the requirement to submit proof of disability and a certification from a
physician. Instead provides that a voter is eligible to participate in the program if the voter certifies
that he is a resident of the nursing home and that he is unable to appear in person to vote either
during early voting or at the polling place.
Present law requires an eligible voter to make written application to the registrar of voters prior to
participating in the program. Provides requirements for the application and deadlines.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that application is made by letter and refers to the letter as a request.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Effective January 1, 2019.
(Amends R.S. 18:1333(C)(2) and (D))