Bill > HB1002

This bill appropriates a total of $23,517,888 to the Secretary of State for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, to cover operational expenses and public printing. * **Secretary of State Operations:** $23,517,888 is appropriated for salaries and wages, new and vacant FTE pool, operating expenses, grants, petition review, and election reform. This includes $6,953,515 for salaries and wages, $7,155,382 for operating expenses, and $9,227,814 for election reform. The funding sources include the General Fund and other special and federal funds. * **Public Printing:** $0 is appropriated for public printing, as the previous appropriation of $271,335 is reduced to zero. * **One-Time Funding for Elections:** $4,600,359 in "other funds" is designated for one-time expenses including election pollpads and cradle points ($2,800,000), information technology enhancements ($700,000), an election security grant ($100,359), and Help America Vote Act funds ($1,000,000). These funds are not part of the base budget for the next biennium and require reporting to the legislative assembly. * **Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund:** $3,500,000 from this fund is allocated for election pollpad replacement and information technology system enhancements. * **Election Fund Transfer:** Up to $600,000 can be transferred from the General Fund's election reform appropriation to the election fund to match federal funds. * **State Fiscal Recovery Fund:** $6,000,000 from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, previously appropriated for an election management system and FirstStop upgrades, remains available for these purposes through June 30, 2027. * **Salary of the Secretary of State:** The annual salary of the Secretary of State is set at $139,256 through June 30, 2026, and $143,434 thereafter. * **Public Printing and Distribution of Laws:** Several sections amend existing law to transfer responsibilities related to the publication, distribution, and sale of session laws and compilations from the Secretary of State to the Legislative Council.