Why 1/5: The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027, meaning its operational changes are not immediate.
This bill changes primary election operations by extending the candidate filing deadline for non-incumbents by five days if an incumbent office holder fails to meet their initial deadline. This adjustment could potentially allow more candidates to qualify for primary ballots in certain circumstances, affecting the choices available to voters.
Update
Placed on Calendar
First reading
Read first time
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
Cleared committee
Reported from Privileges and Elections (11-Y 9-N 1-A)
Second reading
Read second time
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed House (76-Y 23-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB126ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Primary election; when filings to be made, extension for incumbents failure to file.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB126)
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by Senate