Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB155

Introduced
1/16/25  

Caption

In electronic voting systems, providing for defects, disclosure, investigations and penalties.

Impact

The potential impact of HB 155 is significant, as it establishes a formal framework for monitoring and managing electronic voting systems. By enforcing strict disclosure requirements, the bill aims to ensure that any issues affecting the accuracy of elections are promptly addressed. Furthermore, it empowers the Department of State to take necessary actions such as suspending systems that do not comply with state standards, thus reinforcing confidence in the election process and enhancing public trust in electoral outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 155 focuses on enhancing the integrity of electronic voting systems in Pennsylvania by requiring vendors to disclose defects, implement corrective measures, and face penalties for non-disclosure. The bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically addressing the responsibilities of vendors and the Department of State regarding the operation of electronic voting systems. Key provisions include mandatory reports on defects, requirements for timely disclosure, and the authority for the state to suspend or disapprove systems found to have unreported defects.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 155 varies among stakeholders. Supporters, particularly those concerned with election integrity, view the bill positively as a critical step toward safeguarding electoral processes. They argue that by tightening regulations around electronic voting systems, the bill can prevent potential vulnerabilities that might compromise elections. However, some vendors may express concern about the regulatory burdens imposed by the new requirements, seeing them as obstacles to their operations and possibly leading to increased costs.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the balance between regulation and operational flexibility for vendors. While proponents highlight the necessity of accountability in voting technology, vendors may challenge the feasibility of the disclosure requirements and any associated penalties. This tension reflects broader discussions about the role of technology in elections and the responsibilities of both the state and private entities in ensuring election integrity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB204

In electronic voting systems, further providing for returns.

PA HB1160

In electronic voting systems, further providing for statistical sample.

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 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 SB313

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; and, in penalties, providing for falsification of election-related documentation regarding pre-election logic and accuracy testing.

PA SB66

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities and for penalties.

PA HB473

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

PA HB267

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

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.

PA HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party and further providing for death of registrant.

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