New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1448

Introduced
2/10/22  

Caption

Requires that election infrastructure vendors disclose financial ties for approval as vendor by Secretary of State; requires report of known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to Division of Elections.

Impact

The passage of S1448 would significantly enhance state regulations around election processes in New Jersey. By enforcing strict disclosure requirements, the bill aims to preempt security risks by ensuring that all vendors involved in elections disclose any owners or shareholders with a five percent or greater stake. Furthermore, it sets forth civil penalties for vendors who fail to report ownership changes or security incidents, thereby pushing for a culture of compliance and vigilance among vendors operating in the election sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 1448 requires all election infrastructure vendors in New Jersey to disclose any financial ties that may affect their approval as a vendor by the Secretary of State. This bill arose from a growing concern over election security and aims to ensure transparency regarding ownership stakes in companies that provide election services. It mandates that vendors report any known or suspected security incidents involving election systems within a stipulated timeframe, emphasizing the accountability of these vendors in managing election-related systems.

Contention

While proponents of S1448 argue that it is a necessary step to protect the integrity of elections, some critics are concerned about the implications of such oversight. The requirement for detailed financial disclosures may discourage smaller vendors from participating in the election system, thereby limiting competition. Additionally, there are fears that the bureaucratic process of obtaining approvals may slow down the implementation of election services, hampering the efficiency and responsiveness of election operations in the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4024

Requires that election infrastructure vendors disclose financial ties for approval as vendor by Secretary of State; requires report of known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to Division of Elections.

NJ S1405

Requires that election infrastructure vendors disclose financial ties for approval as vendor by Secretary of State; requires report of known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to Division of Elections.

NJ A1679

Requires electronic voting system vendors disclose financial ties prior to electronic voting system approval by Secretary of State.

NJ A2431

Requires electronic voting system vendors disclose financial ties prior to electronic voting system approval by Secretary of State.

NJ S373

Requires electronic voting system vendors disclose financial ties prior to electronic voting system approval by Secretary of State.

NJ SB262

Requiring voting and vote tabulation by hand and prohibiting electronic poll books or electronic or electromechanical voting or tabulation systems after January 1, 2024, mandating legislative approval of certain election matters and providing for the reporting of vote counts to the secretary of state and publication of the vote counts by the secretary.

NJ SB5615

A bill to protect elections for public office by providing enhanced security for the infrastructure used to carry out such elections, and for other purposes.

NJ SB51

Establish Secretary of State Election Integrity Division

NJ SB834

Dissolving the Elections Commission, requiring the secretary of state to administer elections, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

NJ AB899

Dissolving the Elections Commission, requiring the secretary of state to administer elections, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Similar Bills

NJ A4024

Requires that election infrastructure vendors disclose financial ties for approval as vendor by Secretary of State; requires report of known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to Division of Elections.

NJ S1405

Requires that election infrastructure vendors disclose financial ties for approval as vendor by Secretary of State; requires report of known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to Division of Elections.

CA ACA13

Water infrastructure projects: minimum funding requirement and general obligation bonds.

CA AB1137

Cultural heritage destruction: California universities and museums.

WV SB114

Relating generally to Electronic Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Act

WV HB5604

Relating to procurement by state spending units

HI HB2397

Relating To Broadband.

PA HB2369

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; and providing for in-person early voting in elections. 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, providing for same-day voter registration on election day and for same-day voter registration during early voting and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications 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.