Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB193

Introduced

1/19/23

Refer

1/19/23

Caption

In changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

Impact

The implications of SB 193 are significant for state election laws. With the proposed amendments, Pennsylvania's electoral commissions would benefit from improved processes associated with vetting eligibility and maintaining accurate elector lists. This could potentially reduce instances of voter fraud and ensure that election rolls are reflective of current registrants, enhancing the overall reliability of the electoral system. It also signals an effort to streamline communication between health departments and electoral bodies, which could set a precedent for future legislative actions concerning voter registration and maintenance of electoral records.

Summary

Senate Bill 193, introduced in Pennsylvania, seeks to amend Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning voter registration, specifically addressing the procedures for updating records following the death of a registrant. The bill mandates that the Department of Health must notify electoral commissions of any deaths within seven days, thus ensuring timely updates to the voter registration records. By improving the speed and accuracy with which voter registrant deaths are reported and recorded, the bill aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 193 appears to lean towards a supportive consensus, particularly among legislators focused on election integrity and public health coordination. Advocates of the bill view it as a sensible approach to keeping electoral records accurate and up-to-date, reflecting a proactive stance against potential electoral discrepancies. However, there may be dissent regarding the effectiveness of the bill's directives and whether the proposed timeframe for notifications is sufficient for all local jurisdictions.

Contention

Despite the overall positive reception of SB 193, some points of contention could arise over the implementation of the mandated processes. Critics may question whether the seven-day notification requirement is practical and feasible given varying capacity levels among local health departments and electoral commissions. Additionally, concerns may surface regarding data privacy and the handling of sensitive information such as death records, as well as the potential increase in administrative burdens on local electoral bodies tasked with adapting to these new requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB314

In changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

PA HB1758

In registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for public information lists; and, in changes in records, further providing for removal notices, for transfer of registration and for death of registrant.

PA SB904

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register and for government agencies, providing for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; and, in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

PA SB488

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register and for government agencies, providing for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; and, in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

PA HB1827

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register, for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies, providing for same-day voter registration and for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant; in voting procedures, providing for prohibition of rejecting ballots based solely on signature analysis; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1080

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in death and fetal death registration, providing for pronouncement of death by a practical nurse; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

PA HB785

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA HB1703

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration, for electronic submission of changes to registration and for time for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA SB125

In changes in records, providing for interstate voter registration cross-check; and, in provisions contingent on Federal law, further providing for removal of electors.

PA HB2629

In registration system, providing for verification of citizenship; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration; in penalties, further providing for duties under part; and, in provisions contingent on Federal Law, further providing for removal of electors.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.