Relates to authorizing voting by incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities; requires the department of corrections and community supervision, in collaboration with the state and county boards of election, to establish a program to facilitate incarcerated individuals voter registration and voting.
Summary
Bill S05972 aims to amend the election law and correction law in New York to authorize voting by incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities. It establishes that incarcerated individuals will be considered residents of the locality they resided in prior to incarceration for voting purposes. The bill also repeals provisions that previously disqualified individuals from voting due to incarceration and ensures that a voter's registration is not canceled while they are incarcerated. Additionally, it mandates the creation of a program to facilitate voter registration and voting for incarcerated individuals, including access to absentee ballots.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the voting rights landscape for incarcerated individuals in New York. It would allow these individuals to maintain their voter registration status while incarcerated, thereby enabling them to participate in elections. This change could lead to an increase in voter turnout among formerly incarcerated individuals once they are released, as they would be better informed about their voting rights and the registration process.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S05972 appears to be mixed, with support from advocates for criminal justice reform and voting rights, who argue that voting is a fundamental right that should not be stripped away due to incarceration. However, there may be opposition from those who believe that individuals convicted of felonies should not have the right to vote while serving their sentences, reflecting a broader debate on criminal justice and civic engagement.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the debate over whether individuals who are incarcerated, particularly those convicted of felonies, should retain their voting rights. Supporters argue that voting is a basic civil right that should be preserved, while opponents may contend that individuals who have committed crimes should not have a say in the democratic process until they have served their time. This divide often reflects broader societal views on rehabilitation and punishment.
Same As
Relates to authorizing voting by incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities; requires the department of corrections and community supervision, in collaboration with the state and county boards of election, to establish a program to facilitate incarcerated individuals voter registration and voting.
Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.