New Jersey Senate Bill S1405

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

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

Enactment of S1405 would strengthen the oversight of election infrastructure vendors by holding them accountable for their ownership structures. This step is particularly important given concerns about election security that have been heightened in recent years due to various incidents in other states. The bill draws upon actions taken in places like Maryland and North Carolina, where similar regulations have been adopted, effectively improving the security protocols that govern the election process.

Context

S1405 is part of a broader trend of legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing election security amid rising concerns about potential foreign influence and internal vulnerabilities in election infrastructure. The bill serves as a proactive measure responding to security risks, ensuring that the election process in New Jersey maintains public trust and integrity for electoral outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill S1405 mandates that all election infrastructure vendors in New Jersey disclose any owners or shareholders with a five percent or greater interest in their companies. This requirement aims to ensure greater transparency and security by allowing the Secretary of State to evaluate any potential conflicts of interest within these vendors. The bill also establishes that vendors must obtain approval from the Secretary of State before services can be provided for elections, and they are required to report any known or suspected security incidents related to election systems within ten days of discovery.

Contention

While the bill is designed for better security and transparency, there may be contention regarding the perceived burdens it places on vendors. Some stakeholders might argue that such requirements could limit participation or increase costs for election contractors, possibly impacting smaller vendors more heavily than larger ones. Furthermore, the compliance mechanisms and penalties for failing to disclose required information could be seen as contentious, particularly if they affect vendor operations significantly.