House rejects bill to make Election Day a state holiday after debate on costs and scope

Representative Wilcox presented House Bill 104 to make Election Day a state holiday, characterizing it as a way to encourage in-person voting and to set the day aside for civic participation. "We are making the election day a state holiday," he said, framing the measure as a step to strengthen voting access.

Members questioned whether the bill would require state employees or private employers to give the day off. Representative Thurston asked whether public-safety employees or hospitals would be required to close; Wilcox replied "no and no," clarifying the bill does not mandate time off for those workers. Representative Ward raised fiscal concerns, pointing to an $8,000,000 estimate of lost state productivity tied to the proposal and arguing that adding holidays carries real costs.

After floor discussion that included concerns about costs and implementation, the House voted against final passage of HB104, with 33 yes votes and 39 no votes. The bill failed and will be filed.