BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1848

By: DeAyala

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The confidence of certain voters in the accuracy of elections has declined in recent years in part because of concerns that the vote-tabulating equipment in county central count stations can be hacked. Currently, these stations are not Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) compliant locations. H.B. 1848 provides for a study of the cost and feasibility of making county central count stations SCIF compliant, which could help to restore voter confidence in the accuracy of vote-counting systems used in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1848 amends the Election Code to require the secretary of state to conduct a study to consider the feasibility of conforming each central counting station with the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) standards promulgated by the federal government. The bill requires the study to consider the feasibility of ensuring substantial compliance with SCIF standards while allowing for poll watching and other permitted citizen involvement in elections. Not later than September 1, 2024, the secretary of state must create a detailed report summarizing the findings of the study and deliver the report to the legislature. The bill's provisions expire December 1, 2024.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.