House removes sunset on electronic-voting pilot for military and some disabled voters

The Rhode Island House on Feb. 5 voted to remove a sunset provision from a 2022 law that permits the secretary of state to establish an electronic voting program for military overseas voters and voters who certify they are unable to vote through other methods because of a disability. "This bill is sponsored by Representative O'Brien, and it would end the sunset provision on legislation we passed in 2022 to enable the secretary of state to establish or approve a program to allow for electronic voting for military overseas voters as well as voters who certify that as a result of a disability, they are unable to vote through other methods," Chairman Shanley said on the floor.

Shanley told colleagues the pilot has been used by about 1,800 voters and "the program has worked well," and he moved the bill's passage. He offered an amendment (LC003125/3) that he said "makes it even clearer what it means to be an eligible disabled voter" and states that falsely indicating eligibility is a felony "pursuant to revisions of 17 28 d and 17 26 1." The House approved the amendment (65–0) and then approved the amended act (57–8). The clerk announced "the amended act prevails." The House then proceeded with routine transmittals to the governor and other offices.

Supporters argued the change preserves access to voting for military and eligible disabled voters while clarifying legal definitions and penalties; opponents recorded dissent on the final tally but did not speak to the floor debate recorded in the transcript. The bill now goes forward in its amended form for the usual transmission and executive consideration.