Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB154

Introduced

1/16/25

Refer

1/16/25

Caption

In voting machines, further providing for examination and approval of voting machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for requirements of voting machines and for preparation of voting machines by county election boards.

Impact

The proposed changes are significant for state laws surrounding election technology. By requiring a certified expert to conduct assessments and by ensuring that all approved voting machines utilize open-source software, the bill aims to enhance the reliability and security of voting equipment. This could lead to increased public confidence in election outcomes, as these processes are emphasized to be transparent and accountable. Moreover, it establishes strict guidelines for equipment manufacturers and vendors concerning compliance with election laws.

Summary

House Bill 154 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code regarding the examination and approval of voting machines. This bill specifies that any electronic or electromechanical voting machines must undergo stringent testing by the Secretary of the Commonwealth before they can be utilized in elections. The legislation mandates that the examination includes thorough evaluations of all software and hardware components critical for the device's operation, ensuring they meet specified standards before approval for use.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 154 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among legislators advocating for election integrity and security. Proponents argue that the bill represents a necessary step toward maintaining fair elections, emphasizing transparency in the voting process. There is, however, recognition of potential pushback from some stakeholders who may be concerned about the costs and technical challenges associated with upgrading existing equipment to meet the new requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the logistics of implementing these changes, particularly how counties will manage the financial and operational impacts of conforming to the new testing and approval processes. Some local election boards could express concern over the feasibility and potential delays that may occur from additional testing requirements. The bill explicitly states that machines approved before 2026 will not be decertified for noncompliance with the new regulations, which may alleviate some immediate concerns but raises questions regarding future compliance.

Latest PA HB154 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB154

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1207

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

PA HB735

In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

PA SB812

In electronic voting systems, further providing for examination and approval of electronic voting systems by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for malfunction and certification reporting; and making an editorial change.

PA HB267

In preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for assistance in voting.

PA A00562

Relates to requests for proposals for voting machines and contracts for the purchase of voting machines or systems.

PA SB599

In county boards of elections, further providing for expenses of county boards and of primaries and elections to be paid by county, expenses of special elections and boards to be provided with offices; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot and for voting by absentee electors; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

PA SB2495

Relating to the manufacture of voting machines by certain foreign persons.

PA HB1235

In electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies and preparation of the voting system and of polling places and providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing.

PA HB1218

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in recounts and contests, providing for independent prosecutor and for election integrity officers.

PA HB2329

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

Similar Bills

PA HB703

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the election and qualifications of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA SB446

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for powers reserved to the people.

PA HB1207

MA S295

Relative to a business entity

US HB362

Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act of 2025 This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a visa waiver program for nationals of certain countries to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands.Specifically, the bill expands an existing program that authorizes nonimmigrant visa waivers for nationals of certain countries to enter Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands to also authorize waivers for entry to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under this program, DHS may provide a waiver admitting a nonimmigrant visitor for up to 45 days if the waiver does not represent a threat to the welfare, safety, or security of the United States or its territories or commonwealths.

PA SB812

PA HB1262

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB909

In provisions relating to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question; and, in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot.