Kentucky: State Board of Elections - Federal Election Legislation

October 5, 2004

TOPIC	MAJOR BILLS, SPONSOR	CONGRESSIONAL ACTION
Civic Participation and Rehabilitation Act An act to secure federal voting of persons who have been released from custody.	John Conyers, D-MI Martin Frost, D-TX HR 259	Bill referred to the Judiciary Committee. Although this bill gained some attention due to interest in felon voting rights the Congress has little time remaining to take up this issue.
Election Assistance Commission Funding for FY 2005 is in Treasury-Transportation FY 2005 Appropriations bill. HAVA authorized $645 million for FY 2005. The President's budget provides $65 million.	Ernest Istook, R-OK	Election funding for EAC in appropriations bill before the House fails to provide any FY 2005 funds for distribution to the states and underfunds EAC operations. Pending Senate bill offers no funds for states, even less than House for EAC.
Voter Apathy and Turnout Expansion Act (VOTE) To make voting more convenient by requiring election day registration, early voting, "no excuse" absentee voting, election day holiday, and time-off for voting.	Alcee Hastings, D-Fla H.R. 1510	Bill referred to House Administration Committee. First major election reform bill of 108th Congress. No hearings scheduled. Congress appears reluctant to consider election legislation until HAVA has a chance to work.
Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act Requires voter-verifiable paper audit trails for voting systems. Also, speeds up the timetable for providing voting machines for disabled persons.	Rush Holt, D-NJ HR 2239 Steve King, R-Iowa HR 4167 Bob Graham, D-Fl. S. 1980	Referred to the House Administration Comm. Steve King (R-Iowa) last month introduced a paper audit trail bill. House Administration Committee held a hearing electronic voting on July7. House Government Reforn Committee Technology subcommittee held a hearing on July 20.
Voter Feedom Act Establishes standards for ballot access in federal elections for independent candidates and political parties.	Ron Paul, R-Tex. HR1941	Referred to House Admin. Comm. Similar bills have been introduced in recent Congresses but thus far have not garnered sufficient support for serious consideration.
Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004 Sec. 564 lists standards for invalidation of absentee uniformed voters and maximizes voting opportunities for those recently separated from military service.	John Warner, R-VA S 1050	Passed by Congress lare last year as HR 1588. The Defense Authorization bill as passed did not contain this provision.
Federal Election Administration. Replaces FEC with a new strong three member commission to regulate campaign finance. Administrative judges to impose fines subject to commission oversight.	John McCain, R-Az. Russ Feingold, D-Ws. S. 1388 Chris Shays, R-Conn. H.R. 2709	Referred to Senate Rules Committee, House Administration Committee. No hearings scheduled. Bill introduced as part of long term effort to revamp or replace current Federal Election Commission.
Date of National Election A House resolution expressing the intent of the House of Representatives that the election be held on the day scheduled by Congress and not postponed for any reason.	Bob Ney, R-Ohio H.Res. 728	Passed July 20, 2004 by a vote of 419-2 within one week of introduction. Resolution says no individual or agency should have the power to postpone a federal election due to terrorist attacks or threats of attack.
Continuity of Representation Act. Requires states to hold special elections for vacancies to the House within 45 days if called by the Speaker because more than 100 vacancies exist.	J. Sensebrenner, R-WI H.R. 2844	House passed bill April 22 by a vote of 306-97. House rejected a proposal for constitutional amendment on same subject June 4. Senate action on the bill or comparable legislation affecting Senate remains uncertain.

NOTE: The information above is compiled by Election Administration Reports, a bi-weekly newsletter.

To obtain text and current status of bills above or any other legislation, see: Library of Congress Site.