New Jersey · 2026-2027 Regular Session · Bill

A 498: Requires county boards of election to have bipartisan representation when opening and canvassing mail-in ballots; requires secure storage of mail-in ballots; upgrades penalties for certain election-related crimes.

In committee Last action January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee

Plain-language summary

A 498 is a bill introduced in the New Jersey House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Requires county boards of election to have bipartisan representation when opening and canvassing mail-in ballots; requires secure storage of mail-in ballots; upgrades penalties for certain election-related crimes. Primary sponsor: Al Barlas (Republican), Dawn Fantasia (Republican). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (January 13, 2026): Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Sponsors

Primary sponsors: Al Barlas (Republican); Dawn Fantasia (Republican). 2 co-sponsors.