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Bill > HB155
PA HB155
PA HB155In electronic voting systems, providing for defects, disclosure, investigations and penalties.
summary
Introduced
01/16/2025
01/16/2025
In Committee
01/16/2025
01/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), entitled "An act concerning elections, including general, municipal, special and primary elections, the nomination of candidates, primary and election expenses and election contests; creating and defining membership of county boards of elections; imposing duties upon the Secretary of the Commonwealth, courts, county boards of elections, county commissioners; imposing penalties for violation of the act, and codifying, revising and consolidating the laws relating thereto; and repealing certain acts and parts of acts relating to elections," in electronic voting systems, providing for defects, disclosure, investigations and penalties.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to establish comprehensive regulations for electronic voting system defects, requiring voting system vendors to file detailed written disclosures about any known system defects to the Department of State by January 1 of every odd-numbered year. If a vendor discovers a defect, they must report it within 30 days and the Department of State can suspend sales, leases, or use of the electronic voting system. The bill outlines a detailed investigation process where vendors must respond to potential defects, explaining whether they deny or admit the defect's existence, and provide a plan for curing it. If a vendor fails to timely disclose a defect or cannot cure it, they may be subject to a civil penalty of $25,000 plus investigation costs. The Department of State can also suspend or disapprove the voting system, and a vendor cannot submit new systems or enter contracts until penalties are paid. The bill defines a "defect" as a failure in an electronic voting system that affects the accuracy or timeliness of ballot casting or counting, and requires the Department of State to prepare a written report of any investigations and submit it to various legislative leaders. The legislation aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and reliability in electronic voting systems by creating a structured process for identifying and addressing potential technical issues.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Referred to State Government (on 01/16/2025)
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