BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2216
	By: Hughes
	State Affairs
	6/6/2025
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 2216 aims to strengthen the physical security and oversight of election equipment in Texas, ensuring that access is controlled, tracked, and documented to safeguard the integrity of the voting process.

Key Provisions:

1. Maintenance and Storage of Equipment (Section 123.034):

� Equipment used in the operation of voting equipment must be stored in a locked room to restrict access.

2. Security Measures for Voting System Equipment (Section 129.051):

� The inventory of electronic information storage media must now include details about the polling location where the media will be used.

� The general custodian of election records is required to place security seals on each unit of voting system equipment to prevent unauthorized access.

A procedure must be established to document the specific seals placed on each unit and any instances where seals are removed, including the identity of the individual removing them and the purpose for accessing the equipment.

S.B. 2216 amends current law relating to security of election system equipment.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 123.034, Election Code, to require that equipment used in the operation of a voting system be stored in a locked room, and to make a nonsubstantive change.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 129.051, Election Code, by adding Subsections (a-1), (h), and (i), as follows:

(a-1) Requires that the inventory of electronic information storage media maintained under Subsection (a) (relating to requiring the general custodian of election records to create and maintain an inventory of all electronic information storage media) include information on the polling location at which the storage media will be used.

(h) Requires the general custodian of election records to place security seals on each unit of voting system equipment to prevent unauthorized access to the equipment.

(i) Requires the general custodian of election records to create a procedure for documenting which specific seals are placed on each unit of voting system equipment and any instances where the seals are removed, including the identity of the individual who removed the seals and accessed the voting system equipment and the purpose for accessing the equipment.

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.