Bill > HR5407

This bill addresses the challenges of conducting elections during climate change-driven disasters by establishing several key provisions. It requires states receiving federal election grants to develop and submit comprehensive continuity of operations plans for election administration during major disasters by September 2028, with mandatory updates every five years until 2043. The bill mandates the Comptroller General to conduct an analysis of how natural disasters impact voter registration and explore ways the federal government can better support election infrastructure during emergencies. Additionally, the Election Assistance Commission will be authorized to award grants to states to strengthen their election systems against climate-related disasters, with $20 million appropriated annually from 2026 to 2030. States can use these grants for activities like improving election administration, educating voters about disaster preparedness, training election officials, developing continuity plans, upgrading voting technology, and establishing voter information hotlines. The bill defines a "covered major disaster" broadly to include natural catastrophes, fires, floods, explosions, and terrorism, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining election integrity and accessibility during extreme weather events. A key limitation ensures that grant funds cannot be used for litigation costs or to pay judgments, and the bill explicitly does not authorize federal seizure of ballots or voting machines.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5407/all-info