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House approves voting-rights bill expanding mail and drop-box options after extended debate
Summary
House Bill 13 96, described on the floor as the Voting Rights Protection Act, passed the House after lengthy debate about constitutionality and mail-in voting; sponsors said it standardizes pre-canvassing, cures and drop-box access while critics argued it conflicts with Pennsylvania constitutional provisions.
House Bill 13 96, described on the floor as the Voting Rights Protection Act, was considered and passed by the Pennsylvania House on May 13 after extended debate over mail-in voting and constitutional issues.
Representative Bonner argued the measure is unconstitutional because it strengthens no-excuse mail-in voting and, in his view, conflicts with multiple provisions of the Pennsylvania Constitution that he said require in-person voting or specific voter-authorized absentee processes. Bonner recounted earlier judicial rulings and argued that expansion of mail balloting should be decided by a public referendum.
Supporters, including the Speaker, said the legislation improves election administration by permitting pre-canvassing, clarifying mail and provisional ballot curing, establishing permanent mail-ballot lists, requiring prepaid postage, and expanding secure ballot drop-box access. The speaker described the bill as a way to provide uniformity and improved administration for county election officials.
After floor debate and member remarks, the clerk recorded ayes 102 and nays 101 on final passage. The bill passed the House and will be presented to the Senate for concurrence.
Ending: HB 13 96 passed the House on a recorded vote; given the constitutional arguments raised on the floor, further judicial or Senate review may follow as the bill proceeds.
