Representative Baham voluntarily defers HB3, which sought to restore lower qualifying fees for 2026

Representative Dalton Baham read House Bill 3 and described it as a one-cycle restoration of prior qualifying fees for U.S. Senate and U.S. House candidates in the 2026 election period. "This bill merely returns the qualifying fees for US Senate and United States House of Representatives for the 2026 election period to what they were before," Baham said, adding that he filed the bill because of uncertainty about dates and possible map changes.

Committee members questioned the sponsor about coordination with lowered petition thresholds and whether the change would be permanent. Baham said petition thresholds had been lowered as part of prior compromises and that HB3 was intended as an accommodation for candidates who face uncertainty. In explaining his approach, Baham told members, "This is not a bill I'm prepared to die on. It's something I felt obligated to do."

Representative Thomas moved to involuntarily defer the bill, then altered to a voluntary deferral; Baham agreed to voluntarily defer HB3 and the motion was withdrawn. The committee did not take a roll-call vote on the bill; the transcript records the sponsor's voluntary deferral and the withdrawal of the motion. Members discussed that qualifying fees for legislative races are relatively low and that petition access remains an option for candidates.

The voluntary deferral leaves the bill available for later consideration; Baham said he would be open to bringing it back if it does not pass this year.