requiring the secretary of state to review absentee ballot data biennially, forward certain requests to the election law unit for review, and make a report to the general court.

HB 158 requires town and city clerks to make absentee ballot applicant lists (including names and addresses, arranged by voting place) available for public inspection 60 days after an election (or earlier with a court order), excluding voters with protective orders. The bill also mandates the secretary of state to create a report on absentee ballot requests, detailing requests by voting district, address discrepancies, multiple ballots sent to one address, and the top 20 common mailing addresses. This affects local clerks who manage absentee ballots and the public who can access the lists. The report will provide transparency on absentee ballot distribution patterns without altering voting procedures. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.