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Committee advances emergency Voting Rights Act to protect municipal and county elections

Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee · January 30, 2026

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Summary

The committee approved Senate Bill 255, an emergency Voting Rights Act for counties and municipalities that bars actions impairing the ability of protected‑class voters to elect candidates of their choice; the bill permits the attorney general or private plaintiffs to sue and authorizes courts to order remedies. The committee added Senator Harris as a cosponsor and reported the bill favorably, 7–2.

The Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee advanced Senate Bill 255 on Friday, an emergency measure described by staff as a municipal and county Voting Rights Act designed to prohibit actions that impair members of protected classes from electing candidates of their choice.

According to committee staff, the bill bars impairment of the electoral ability of protected groups — including those defined by race, color and language minority status — in county and municipal elections, and it authorizes the Office of the Attorney General or a private party to bring enforcement actions in the county or municipality where an alleged violation occurred. The bill also directs courts to consider specified factors in determining remedies and preliminary relief. Staff noted the statute would not apply to statewide elections.

During consideration, Senator Harris moved to be added as a cosponsor; the committee approved the sponsor amendment by voice vote. Members then voted on the bill by roll call. Recorded votes in the committee included: Senator Hester (Aye), Senator Gallien (No), Senator Watson (Aye), Senator Otter (Yes), Senator Harris (Aye), Senator Brooks (Aye), Senator Carozza (No), Senator Washington (Yes) and Senator Feldman (Yes). The chair announced the bill carries on a 7–2 vote and noted one member was absent for the roll call.

The committee reported the bill favorably; it will proceed to the next step in the Senate process.