relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election.

When a candidate contacts the clerk or other posted official because the office was not open at least 3 days during the filing week, that person must now arrange a time to accept the declaration of candidacy on the same day or within the next business day, during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The original bill required town and city clerk offices to be open at least 3 days during the filing week, with each day open for no less than 2 hours. The Senate amendment removes this as a strict mandate and replaces it with a conditional: if the office is NOT open for at least 3 days and at least 2 hours on those days, the clerk must instead post contact information for the clerk, deputy clerk, or another authorized election official who can accept the declaration of candidacy.

The amended bill adds a requirement that any additional contact information posted by clerks (for those who cannot meet the 3-day/2-hour standard) must also be listed on the secretary of state's website, alongside the existing dates and times.