Texas House Bill HB1902

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that all components of a voting system used in an election in this state be manufactured, stored, and held in the United States.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1902 would significantly impact the election process in Texas by potentially reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers for voting systems. It encourages local production, which supporters believe will mitigate security risks associated with international supply chains. Additionally, it may stimulate the domestic economy by fostering job creation within the manufacturing sector for technology needed in elections.

Summary

House Bill 1902 mandates that all components of voting systems used in elections within Texas must be manufactured, stored, and held in the United States. This requirement aims to enhance the security and integrity of voting systems by ensuring that the hardware and software components are domestically produced and stored. This move comes in response to ongoing concerns about election security and the sourcing of voting technology from foreign entities, which some legislators argue poses risks to the electoral process.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions, there are points of contention among legislators and stakeholders. Critics argue that the requirement may limit the available choices for voting technology, potentially resulting in higher costs or reduced innovation in the industry. They also raise concerns about the feasibility of rapidly transitioning existing voting systems to comply with the new regulations. Additionally, there may be implications for the timeline of replacing or upgrading outdated voting technology in Texas, complicating future elections.