Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2059

Introduced
2/23/24  

Caption

In Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections and for county report.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2059 could influence state laws by formalizing state-level support for election oversight activities and setting precedents for future funding mechanisms concerning elections. This could lead to more robust compliance with established election laws and improve communication and reporting between state and county jurisdictions. However, there may be challenges regarding the distribution of funds, oversight on how the funds are utilized, and the potential for varying levels of commitment from different counties based on their unique circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 2059 aims to establish the Election Integrity Grant Program, which is intended to provide funding for various initiatives related to election processes and for requirements related to county reporting. The primary objective of the bill is to enhance the integrity and security of elections by allocating necessary resources to county governments to implement measures that ensure transparency and reliability in the electoral process. By creating a structured funding program, the bill seeks to assist counties in meeting and maintaining election standards, thereby bolstering public confidence in the electoral system.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 2059 appears to be mixed, as it involves issues central to the integrity and conduct of elections, which can vary significantly in perception among different political groups. Supporters of the bill often emphasize the necessity of state funding to strengthen election integrity and enhance voters' confidence. In contrast, critics may express concerns about potential overreach or misallocation of funds, arguing that funding processes must be transparent and equitable to all counties, regardless of their political leanings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2059 involve the specifics of how funding will be allocated and the criteria for counties to access these grants. Questions remain about the transparency of the grant application process and whether there could be political influence in determining which counties receive funding. Additionally, discussions have emerged regarding the potential implications of this program on local election management, with concerns that it could create dependencies that might overshadow local governance in election-related matters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB847

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB489

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB858

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB37

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB704

Providing for early in-person voting in elections; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB488

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA SB127

In county boards of elections, further providing for county boards of elections and membership.

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 HB978

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 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.

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