Senate advances bill to restrict commercial use of voter-registration lists, sends SB 36 to third reading

Senator Margaret (Maine) introduced the first substitute to Senate Bill 36 to limit commercial resale and exploitation of the state's voter-registration lists while preserving access for political, scholarly and journalistic uses.

"We need to stop it now," Maine said during floor remarks, arguing the bill is intended to halt recent commercial purchases and misuse of voter data and to restore public confidence in how the state handles voter records. Maine told colleagues that the lieutenant governor and county clerks had testified and that the measure was crafted with constitutional limits in mind.

Lawmakers pressed the sponsor on the bill's exceptions and mechanics. Senator Vickers asked whether party and campaign uses remained allowed; Maine confirmed those avenues remain intact. Senator Weiler praised the bill as "long overdue" but said it might not go far enough to protect vulnerable groups. Senator Madsen and others urged additional options such as opt-outs or protections for people who need privacy for safety reasons.

Senators also questioned whether the bill would allow purchasers to reproduce lists without limitation once in possession. Maine acknowledged open issues and said the House will consider companion or follow-up measures intended to tighten provisions.

After floor debate, the Senate voted to move the first substitute SB 36 to the third-reading calendar. The clerk recorded 26 aye votes, 0 nay votes and 3 senators absent.