Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act

Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act

This bill excludes income earned and work performed as a candidate for an elected office when determining eligibility for, or the amount of, federally financed benefits or assistance if the candidate is entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income (a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources) due to a disability.

Bill 118 s 3747, also known as the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act, aims to address the challenges that individuals with disabilities face when seeking to run for elected office. The bill seeks to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in the democratic process.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Providing funding for states to improve accessibility to polling places and voting machines for individuals with disabilities. This includes ensuring that polling places are wheelchair accessible and that voting machines are equipped with features such as audio ballots for visually impaired individuals. 2. Requiring states to provide training for election officials on how to assist voters with disabilities and ensure that they are able to cast their ballots independently and privately. 3. Establishing a grant program to support individuals with disabilities who are running for elected office. This program would provide funding for campaign expenses such as accessible transportation, communication devices, and other accommodations needed to ensure that individuals with disabilities can effectively campaign for office. Overall, the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act seeks to promote inclusivity and ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the political process. By removing barriers to running for office, the bill aims to increase representation of individuals with disabilities in elected positions and promote a more diverse and inclusive democracy.