Revision: Jan. 16, 2025, 12:04 p.m.
HB 618-FN - AS INTRODUCED
2025 SESSION
25-0609
08/05
HOUSE BILL 618-FN
SPONSORS: Rep. See, Merr. 26; Rep. Wherry, Hills. 13; Rep. Wood, Merr. 13; Rep. Cambrils, Merr. 4
COMMITTEE: Election Law
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ANALYSIS
This bill enables election officials to verify the single use of an out-of-state driver's license presented when a person votes by using the centralized voter registration database.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
25-0609
08/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Obtaining a Ballot. Amend the section heading of RSA 659:13 to read as follows:
659:13 Obtaining a Ballot; Use of Out-of-State Identification.
2 Obtaining a Ballot; Use of Out-of-State Identification. RSA 659:13, I(b) is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
(b)(1) The voter, unless challenged as provided for in RSA 659:27 through 659:33, shall then be asked to present proof of his or her identity meeting the requirements of paragraph II.
(2) If the photo identification is an out-of-state driver's license or nondriver's identification card, the ballot clerk shall check the statewide centralized voter registration database to determine if this license or identification has been used previously in an election in New Hampshire. If so, the voter shall be denied the privilege of voting. If not, the ballot clerk shall record the state of issuance on the checklist in accordance with uniform procedures developed by the secretary of state in a color designated for such entries. The supervisors of the checklist or designee shall record the license or identification number, the state of issuance, name and address shown on the voter's driver's license or identification card, along with the voter’s current address in the statewide centralized voter registration database or submit the information to the secretary of state to be entered into the database. The ballot clerk shall then give the voter one of each ballot to be voted on in that election which shall be folded as it was upon receipt from the secretary of state. The ballot clerk shall also mark the checklist using a ruler or other straight edge to ensure accuracy of the mark in order to show that the voter obtained his or her ballot. The ballot clerk shall also advise the voter that this out-of-state license or identification may not be used for voting purposes again.
(3) If the voter presents such proof of identity as provided in paragraph II, except as provided in subparagraph I(b)(2), to the ballot clerk, the ballot clerk shall give the voter one of each ballot to be voted on in that election which shall be folded as it was upon receipt from the secretary of state. The ballot clerk shall also mark the checklist using a ruler or other straight edge to ensure accuracy of the mark in order to show that the voter obtained his or her ballot.
3 Obtaining a Ballot; Using Out-of-State Identification. Amend RSA 659:13, II(a)(1)-(2) to read as follows:
(1) A driver's license issued by any state or the federal government. A driver's license issued by any state other than New Hampshire shall not be used at more than one election as identification.
(2) An identification card issued under RSA 260:21, RSA 260:21-a, or RSA 260:21-b or a nondriver's identification card issued by the motor vehicles division, department, agency, or office of any other state. An identification card issued by any state other than New Hampshire shall not be used at more than one election as identification.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
25-0609
1/2/25
HB 618-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
FISCAL IMPACT: This bill does not provide funding, nor does it authorize new positions.
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Estimated State Impact | ||||||
| FY 2025 | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | ||
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Revenue Fund(s) | None | |||||
Expenditures* | $0 | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | ||
Funding Source(s) | General Fund | |||||
Appropriations* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Funding Source(s) | None | |||||
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill | ||||||
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Estimated Political Subdivision Impact | ||||||
| FY 2025 | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | ||
County Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
County Expenditures | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Local Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Local Expenditures | $0 | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | ||
METHODOLOGY:
This bill enables election officials to use the centralized voter registration database to verify the single use of an out-of-state driver's license or identification card when a person votes. If the voter attempts to vote again using the same out-of-state driver's license or identification card, they would be prevented from receiving a ballot.
The Department of State indicates that, pursuant to RSA 654:45, IV (c), it is currently illegal for ballot clerks to access the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS). Furthermore, this requirement could have a significant financial impact on municipalities that lack Wi-Fi or devices to access the SVRS at polling locations. To further assess the potential fiscal impacts of this bill, the Department will require clarification from the legislature.
It is assumed that any fiscal impact would occur after FY 2025.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of State