H.B. No. 1848
AN ACT
relating to a study by the secretary of state on the feasibility of
central counting stations complying with federal standards for
facilities that contain sensitive information.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 127, Election Code, is
amended by adding Section 127.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 127.010. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON CENTRAL COUNTING STATION
OPERATING AS SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION FACILITY. (a)
The secretary of state shall conduct a study to consider the
feasibility of conforming each central counting station with the
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) standards
promulgated by the United States federal government.
(b) The study must consider the feasibility of ensuring
substantial compliance with the SCIF standards while allowing for
poll watching and other citizen involvement in an election
permitted under state law.
(c) Not later than December 1, 2024, the secretary of state
shall create a detailed report summarizing the findings of the
study and deliver the report to the legislature.
(d) This section expires December 15, 2024.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1848 was passed by the House on May 9,
2023, by the following vote: Yeas 91, Nays 50, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1848 was passed by the Senate on May
24, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor