SB 169: Candidates for office; challenges to candidate qualifications.

Official summary

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

Elections; candidates for office; challenges to candidate qualifications. Requires any legal action relating to a person's eligibility to appear on the ballot on the basis that such person did not meet all qualifications or fulfill all requirements for candidacy to be filed in a circuit court and served on all parties (i) at least 90 days before the date of a general election; (ii) at least 65 days before the date of a primary election; (iii) at least 70 days before the date of a special election held on the same date as the general election; or (iv) for any special election held at a time other than a general election, (a) at least 55 days before the date of the special election or (b) within 10 days of any writ of election or order calling for a special election to be held less than 60 days after the issuance of the writ or order. The bill specifies that any such legal action will be given precedence on the docket and be decided by the circuit court no later than 10 days before the date on which ballots for that election are made available for absentee voting. The bill also specifies that candidates who are nominated at a primary election cannot be later challenged on the basis of facts that were present prior to the primary election and could have been raised in a challenge to such candidate's eligibility for the primary ballot.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 882 (effective 7/1/2026)
2. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
4. March 11, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB169)
5. March 10, 2026Signed by President
6. March 10, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. March 10, 2026Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB169ER)
8. March 10, 2026Enrolled
9. March 4, 2026Passed House (63-Y 36-N 0-A)
10. March 4, 2026Read third time
11. March 3, 2026Read second time
12. February 27, 2026Reported from Privileges and Elections (14-Y 7-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 26 actions. Full history