SRC-JRN S.B. 1343 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1343 By: Madla State Affairs 4-9-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Election Code provides for only two types of voting systems. Because there are only definitions for voting systems and electronic voting systems, computer innovations used in voting systems may be limited. This bill establishes provisions for the use of computer voting systems in elections. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1343 establishes provisions for the use of computer voting systems in elections. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Title 8, Election Code, by adding Chapter 128, as follows: CHAPTER 128. COMPUTERIZED VOTING SYSTEMS Sec. 128.001. COMPUTERIZED VOTING SYSTEM STANDARDS. Requires the secretary of state (secretary) to prescribe procedures to allow for the use of a computerized voting system. Requires the procedures to provide for the use of a computerized voting system with multiple voting terminals for the input of vote selections on the ballot presented by a main computer to coordinate ballot presentation, vote selection, ballot image storage, and result tabulation. Authorizes a system under this section to allow for the storage of processed ballot materials in an electronic form on the main computer, notwithstanding Chapter 66. Authorizes the secretary to modify existing procedures as necessary to allow the use of a system authorized by this chapter. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.