October 31, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives Haywood, Sinicki, Ratcliff, Baldeh, Emerson, Palmeri, Ohnstad, Joers, J. Anderson, Stubbs, Drake, Subeck, Clancy and Jacobson, cosponsored by Senators L. Johnson, Roys, Taylor, Wirch, Smith, Hesselbein and Larson. Referred to Committee on Campaigns and Elections.
AB585,,22An Act to create 49.87 of the statutes; relating to: facilitating voter registration for applicants for public assistance. AB585,,33Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau This bill requires that all of the following must occur in connection with each application for public assistance in Wisconsin:
1. The person receiving the application must determine whether the applicant is eligible to vote and registered to vote.
2. If the applicant is eligible to vote, but not registered to vote, the applicant must be provided with the opportunity to register to vote online on-site and assistance in doing so.
3. If the applicant is eligible to vote, but declines the opportunity to register on-site, the applicant must be provided with a voter registration form and information concerning eligibility to vote, instructions for completing the form, and, unless the applicant declines in writing, assistance in completing the form. The applicant must also be provided with a written explanation of how to register to vote in person, by mail, and by electronic means.
For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AB585,,44The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: AB585,15Section 1. 49.87 of the statutes is created to read: AB585,,6649.87 Voter registration. The departments of children and families and health services shall ensure that all of the following are done in connection with each application for any aid, benefit, or service provided under this chapter: AB585,,77(1) The person receiving the application shall determine whether the applicant is eligible to vote and registered to vote. AB585,,88(2) If the applicant is eligible to vote, but not registered to vote, the applicant shall be provided with the opportunity to register to vote online on-site and assistance in doing so. AB585,,99(3) If the applicant is eligible to vote, but declines the opportunity to register on-site, the applicant shall be provided with the voter registration form prescribed under s. 6.33 and information concerning eligibility to vote, instructions for completing the form, and, unless the applicant declines in writing, assistance in completing the form. The applicant shall also be provided with a written explanation of how to register to vote in person under s. 6.30 (1), by mail under s. 6.30 (4), and by electronic means under s. 6.30 (5).
