summary
Introduced
03/16/2017
03/16/2017
In Committee
04/25/2017
04/25/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018
12/31/2018
Introduced Session
115th Congress
Bill Summary
SAFE Act Secure America's Future Elections Act This bill directs the National Protection and Programs Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to designate the infrastructure used to administer elections as critical infrastructure. The bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 with respect to: funding for states to upgrade the security of the information technology and cybersecurity elements of voting systems, voter registration lists, and voter registration processes; voting systems and cybersecurity standards; paper ballot and manual counting requirements; accessibility to voting systems and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities; durability and readability requirements for ballots; and mandatory manual audits of results of elections. The National Science Foundation shall make grants to study, test, and develop accessible paper ballot voting mechanisms and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting for voters with disabilities, voters whose primary language is not English, and voters with difficulties in literacy. The National Institute for Standards and Technology shall establish guidance for states that wish to establish alternative audit mechanisms. The Election Assistance Commission is made permanent.
AI Summary
This bill, the Secure America's Future Elections Act or SAFE Act, aims to improve the security and integrity of federal elections in the United States. The key provisions include:
1. Designating the infrastructure used to administer elections as critical infrastructure under the Department of Homeland Security.
2. Providing funding to states to upgrade the security of their voter registration systems and voting technology.
3. Requiring voting systems to meet certain cybersecurity standards established by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
4. Mandating the use of voter-verified paper ballots and manual audits of election results to ensure accuracy.
5. Establishing a program at the National Science Foundation to study and develop accessible paper ballot voting mechanisms for voters with disabilities and other accessibility needs.
6. Making the Election Assistance Commission a permanent federal agency.
The bill aims to strengthen election security and integrity at the federal, state, and local levels through a combination of security upgrades, paper ballot requirements, and mandatory auditing procedures.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Government Affairs
Sponsors (26)
Mark Pocan (D)*,
Michael Capuano (D),
Matt Cartwright (D),
Steve Cohen (D),
Keith Ellison (D),
Eliot Engel (D),
Adriano Espaillat (D),
Ruben Gallego (D),
Luis Gutiérrez (D),
Hank Johnson (D),
Ro Khanna (D),
Alan Lowenthal (D),
Michelle Lujan Grisham (D),
Gregory Meeks (D),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D),
Jimmy Panetta (D),
Jared Polis (D),
Jamie Raskin (D),
Bobby Rush (D),
Tim Ryan (D),
Jan Schakowsky (D),
Carol Shea-Porter (D),
Louise Slaughter (D),
Adam Smith (D),
Mark Takano (D),
Frederica Wilson (D),
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. (on 04/25/2017)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1562/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr1562/BILLS-115hr1562ih.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr1562/BILLS-115hr1562ih.pdf.pdf |
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