Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB743

Introduced
3/18/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
4/16/24  

Caption

Provides for absentee voting by mail by qualified incarcerated voters

Impact

The enactment of HB 743 would significantly modify current voting procedures for incarcerated individuals. Previously, anyone registering to vote by mail and not having voted in person would need to appear at a polling place. With this bill, eligible incarcerated individuals would no longer have this requirement, thereby increasing accessibility to voting for this demographic. This amendment to the law potentially influences not just voters but also the structure surrounding voter registration and absentee ballot applications in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 743 introduces provisions for absentee voting by mail for qualified incarcerated voters in Louisiana. Specifically, it allows individuals who are incarcerated but not felony-convicted to request absentee ballots. This legislation is grounded in the belief that incarcerated individuals should retain their voting rights, provided they have not been convicted of a felony.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the introduction of HB 743 appears mixed. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to ensure voting rights are preserved for all citizens, regardless of incarceration status. They view it as an important human rights issue and a move towards inclusivity in the democratic process. However, there are factions who express concerns about potential abuses and logistical complications arising from mail-in voting by incarcerated individuals, particularly regarding verification and security.

Contention

Notably, the bill has faced opposition in previous discussions, primarily focusing on the concerns surrounding absentee voting integrity. Critics argue that while supporting voting rights is important, enabling absentee ballots for incarcerated individuals raises questions about election integrity and the potential for voter fraud. Discussions around these issues indicate a broader debate about the balance between supporting democratic participation and ensuring robust security measures in voting processes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB519

Provides relative to absentee voting by qualified incarcerated voters

LA HB646

Provides for the annual canvass of registered voters (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB159

Provides for a supplemental annual canvass of registered voters (OR +$263,875 GF EX See Note)

LA HB55

Provides relative to mental health treatment of incarcerated people (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB396

Provides for the reinstatement of the voter registration of a person who is no longer under an order of imprisonment

LA HB496

Makes revisions to the Louisiana Election Code

LA HB426

Provides relative to the work opportunity tax credit for businesses that hire certain formerly incarcerated persons (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB538

Provides relative to early voting locations (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB545

Provides relative to payphones and communications for incarcerated individuals (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB212

Provides for the signatures required on a recall petition (RE SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.