Bill > A11324

This bill establishes an "election security navigator program" within the state board of elections to assist local election boards, which often have limited resources and technical staff, in addressing cybersecurity threats, improving physical and operational preparedness, and boosting public trust in elections. The program, led by a director with expertise in election cybersecurity and operations, will offer voluntary assistance, prioritize requests based on need and risk, employ or contract "election security navigators" to act as liaisons, facilitate information sharing about threats and vulnerabilities, conduct risk assessments, help with incident response and continuity planning, provide training, coordinate access to cybersecurity resources, and assist local boards in applying for funding. The bill also mandates a needs-based assessment to design the program, public hearings for proposed regulations, and an annual report on the program's activities and performance, including progress on a student program in partnership with the State University of New York. The program will be funded through a separate budget allocation of at least three million dollars annually, adjusted for inflation, and the state board of elections can seek additional funding from federal and private sources.