ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

Senate: ELEC DP 5-3-0-0 | 3rd Read: 16-14-0-0

House: MOE DP 6-4-0-0 | APPROP DPA 8-6-0-1

SB1170: ballot drop boxes; requirements; appropriation

Sponsor: Senator Hoffman, LD 15

Caucus & COW

Overview

Outlines specified requirements for monitored and unmonitored ballot drop boxes. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2024 to the Treasurer for disbursement to the counties.

History

Ballot drop boxes are established by counties or municipalities and must be approved by the Board of Supervisors. Specified security procedures must be implemented to prevent the removal or tampering of ballot drop boxes. Election officials or designated ballot retrievers are the only individuals authorized to be in possession of ballot drop box keys for the purpose of removing deposited ballots (Elections Procedures Manual).

The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional relief for counties, cities and towns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (P. L. 117-2).

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteAuthorizes the use of ballot drop boxes if they are located inside a polling place or county office where election staff is present and monitoring the drop box. (Sec. 1)

2.   Permits the use of an outdoor ballot drop box if the following apply:

a)   Two or more election workers with equal representation of the two largest political parties monitor the drop box from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; and

b)   The County Recorder or other officer in charge of elections operates a live video recording that is available to the public and is equipped with night vision and motion activated abilities. (Sec. 1)

3.   Prohibits voting from a vehicle or other conveyance unless otherwise required by law. (Sec. 1)

4.   Appropriates $1,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2024 to the Treasurer for disbursement to the counties for the following costs:

a)   Relocation of ballot drop boxes;

b)   Providing personnel to monitor the live video feed overnight; and

c)   Developing infrastructure for the implementation of video recording in rural areas. (Sec. 2)

5.   Instructs the Treasurer to disburse monies to counties upon the submittal of a verified claim and after counties have used all monies received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (Sec. 2)

6.   Stipulates any amounts that remain unexpended by June 30th, 2025 will revert to the state GF. (Sec. 2)

Amendments

Committee on Appropriations

1.   Adds that the Treasurer may use no more than 3% of the monies appropriated to administer this act.

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5.                     SB 1170

6.   Initials JH/IG         Page 0 Caucus & COW

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