TITLE: Relating to security of election system equipment.

SUMMARY: Relating to security of election system equipment.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to security of election system equipment. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 123.034, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 123.034. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT. (a) The governing body of a political subdivision shall provide for the proper maintenance and storage of the equipment that the subdivision acquires for use in the operation of a voting system. (b) Equipment used in the operation of a voting system must be stored in a locked room. SECTION 2. Section 129.051, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsections (a-1), (h), and (i) to read as follows: (a-1) The inventory of electronic information storage media maintained under Subsection (a) must include information on the polling location at which the storage media will be used. (h) The general custodian of election records shall place security seals on each unit of voting system equipment to prevent unauthorized access to the equipment. (i) The general custodian of election records shall create a procedure for documenting: (1) which specific seals are placed on each unit of voting system equipment; and (2) 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. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to an election ordered on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.