HJ 2: Constitutional amendment (second reference); qualifications of voters and the right to vote; persons not entitled to vote.

Official summary

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

Constitutional amendment (second reference); qualifications of voters and the right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution shall have the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth and that such right shall not be abridged by law, except for persons who have been convicted of a felony and persons who have been adjudicated to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting. A person who has been convicted of a felony shall not be entitled to vote during any period of incarceration for such felony conviction, but upon release from incarceration for that felony conviction and without further action required of him such person shall be invested with all political rights, including the right to vote. Currently, in order to be qualified to vote a person convicted of a felony must have his civil rights restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority. The amendment also provides that a person adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction as lacking the capacity to understand the act of voting shall not be entitled to vote during this period of incapacity until his capacity has been reestablished as prescribed by law. Currently, the Constitution provides that a person who has been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent is not qualified to vote until his competency is reestablished.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 51

“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. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
2. March 30, 2026Signed by President
3. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ2ER)
4. January 16, 2026Agreed to by Senate
5. January 16, 2026Passed Senate
6. January 16, 2026Senator McDougle Amendments rejected (Voice Vote)
7. January 16, 2026Reading of amendments waived (Voice Vote)
8. January 16, 2026Floor offered Senator McDougle Amendments
9. January 16, 2026Read third time
10. January 15, 2026Read second time
11. January 14, 2026Reported from Privileges and Elections (8-Y 3-N 2-A)
12. January 14, 2026Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

Showing 12 most recent of 18 actions. Full history