Revises provisions relating to presidential electors. (BDR 24-539)
If enacted, SB 133 would significantly impact state laws surrounding elections by explicitly removing any individual found guilty of these offenses from being eligible for public office. This means that not only would such individuals face criminal penalties, but they would also be forever barred from holding public office or working in government roles. Furthermore, the bill empowers the Secretary of State to investigate violations and necessitates that members of the public can report suspected infractions, thereby increasing accountability and transparency within the electoral system.
Senate Bill 133 seeks to bolster election integrity by prohibiting individuals from creating, serving, or conspiring to create or serve in a false slate of presidential electors. The bill categorizes this offense as a category B felony, punishable by a minimum of four years and a maximum of ten years in prison. Additionally, individuals convicted under this provision would be liable to pay fines up to $5,000 and cover the costs associated with the investigations or prosecutions initiated by the Secretary of State or the Attorney General. This legislative action is critical in the context of enhancing public trust in electoral processes, which have been under scrutiny recently.
The bill surfaces notable points of contention, particularly regarding its implications for civil rights restoration. As outlined in the legislation, individuals convicted under this bill would not be able to regain the right to hold public office, even after serving their sentences. This raises concerns among advocates for criminal justice reform who argue that the bill may be overly punitive and detract from efforts to rehabilitate offenders. Opponents assert that while protecting electoral integrity is essential, it should not come at the cost of permanently disenfranchising individuals who may seek to reintegrate into civic life post-incarceration.