Budget & Taxes (State Budget · Elections)

SB 26 provides state funding to reimburse municipalities for increased election costs caused by early voting. It appropriates money from the General Fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover any cost increases municipalities face in administering early voting. The bill directly affects local governments that operate elections, ensuring they are financially compensated for these specific administrative expenses. This is a straightforward reimbursement mechanism, not a policy change to early voting itself.

HB 5073 allocates $500,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 to provide grants to municipalities. The bill directly assists local governments by covering increased costs they face when administering early voting. Key provisions include funding for expenses related to early voting operations, such as staffing or equipment, as stated in the bill's purpose to "mitigate increased costs." This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy requirements or eligibility criteria specified.