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Omnibus election bill (House Bill 16‑79) draws mixed response on school closures, redistricting and recount costs
Summary
House Bill 16‑79 collects dozens of election‑administration changes, including school closure rules for polling places, clerk office election‑day priorities, paid leave for poll workers, local redistricting deadlines and a requirement that petitioners pay recount costs when the margin exceeds 10 percent.
Senate Elections Committee heard testimony on House Bill 16‑79, a comprehensive elections omnibus that contains dozens of provisions affecting poll operations, voter maintenance, local redistricting, recount procedures and other election administration details.
The bill's sponsors said it addresses recurring operational questions raised by counties and election officials and implements several technical and policy changes. Key provisions discussed at the hearing include:
- Closure rules: Elementary schools used as polling places would be closed on Election Day (middle and high schools could stay open when facilities are segregated from voting operations). Circuit court clerks' offices would be closed for non‑election business on Election Day to focus on election duties.
- Paid leave: The bill would…
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