HB 1023: Political Party Liability for Accessibility Requirements

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Under current law, a political party must ensure that any person, upon request, is able to participate in a precinct caucus or a party assembly with the use of a video conferencing platform or alternative means of participation. The failure of any political party to make a reasonable effort to comply with these accessibility requirements constitutes discrimination on the basis of disability in a place of public accommodation.     The act clarifies that only a person who is otherwise eligible pursuant to statute to participate in a precinct caucus or a party assembly may request video conferencing or another alternative means of participation. The act also clarifies that a person who is subjected to a violation of a political party's duties regarding these accessibility requirements may file suit only against the central committee of the political party holding the caucus or assembly. An individual, including a member of the central committee of the political party or a volunteer for a political party, may not be held liable for a violation of these accessibility requirements. Upon a finding of a violation of these accessibility requirements, a court may require compliance with the applicable accessibility requirement and either actual monetary damages or a statutory fine of $3,500 for each violation.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 23 · Republican 18

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 27, 2026Governor Signed
2. April 16, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. April 16, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. April 16, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. April 1, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. March 31, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. March 26, 2026Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
8. March 4, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs
9. February 26, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
10. February 25, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
11. February 24, 2026House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
12. February 19, 2026House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

Showing 12 most recent of 13 actions. Full history