Assembly debates Secretary of State's controversial grant program for voting rights organizations

Concerns over the Secretary of State's grant program took center stage during the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections meeting on June 1, 2025. Lawmakers expressed significant apprehension regarding sections 69.4 and 69.6 of the proposed legislation, which outline the parameters of the grant program.

Critics highlighted that the language in the bill is alarmingly broad, allowing the Secretary of State to determine what projects and expenses qualify for funding. One committee member pointed out, “We think it's very wide open,” emphasizing fears that this could lead to partisan influences in the allocation of funds. The Secretary of State would have the authority to apply for and accept donations from various sources, raising concerns about potential bias in funding decisions.

The discussion also referenced the involvement of organizations like the Open Society Foundation, which has been known to support voting access initiatives. This connection raised red flags for some committee members, who worry that the grant program could become a “pot of money” for partisan agendas rather than a neutral resource for enhancing voting rights.

Notably, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee previously declined to pass this bill, prompting the current amendments aimed at addressing these concerns. As the committee continues to deliberate, the implications of this grant program remain a critical point of contention, with many calling for clearer guidelines to ensure impartiality in funding decisions.