New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4024

Introduced
3/7/24  

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

The bill is a direct response to ongoing concerns regarding election security in the United States. Recent events have highlighted vulnerabilities in election infrastructure, particularly related to financial ties of vendors and potential foreign influence. By enforcing stringent disclosure rules and requiring vendors to promptly report any known or suspected security incidents, the bill seeks to fortify the integrity of New Jersey's election process. This move aligns with similar legislative actions taken by other states, such as Maryland and North Carolina, reinforcing a growing trend towards greater accountability in election services.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4024 focuses on enhancing the security of election infrastructure in New Jersey. It mandates that all election infrastructure vendors disclose any significant financial interests in their companies, specifically requiring disclosure of any owners or shareholders with a five percent or greater stake. This provision is aimed at increasing transparency in the electoral process and ensuring that potential conflicts of interest are identified and managed appropriately. Additionally, vendors must stay compliant with ongoing disclosure requirements, notifying the Secretary of State of any changes to ownership that meet the specified threshold.

Contention

Notably, this bill may face opposition from vendors who could argue that the stringent disclosure requirements may deter participation in the state's electoral system. There may be concerns about the administrative burden placed on vendors to continuously update ownership disclosures, as well as the financial implications of potential fines for non-compliance. Supporters will argue, however, that the potential risks of allowing undisclosed financial ties far outweigh the administrative challenges, emphasizing that maintaining public trust in electoral processes is paramount.

Companion Bills

NJ S1405

Same As 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 S1448

Carry Over 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.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1448

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 S1448

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.