Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3130

Introduced
5/9/23  

Caption

Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023

Impact

If passed, HB3130 would impose stricter guidelines on the preservation and management of election artifacts, requiring all records to be retained under the supervision of election officials. Furthermore, the legislation outlines that the paper record of a cast ballot will continue to be considered the official record, reinforcing the importance of traditional ballot verification alongside digital methods. This effectively centralizes the responsibility of safeguarding these records and introduces penalties for those who fail to comply with these preservation requirements.

Summary

House Bill 3130, formally titled the 'Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023', aims to enhance protections for election records, papers, and equipment. The proposed amendments to the Civil Rights Act of 1960 strengthen the requirements for preserving various forms of election-related materials, including electronic records and equipment used during federal elections. This legislation is motivated by concerns over election integrity and the need to ensure thorough and accountable election administration practices.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for judicial review to ensure compliance with these regulations, giving the Attorney General and candidates the right to compel compliance through legal action. This aspect has raised discussions about the balance of authority between federal oversight and state management of elections. Some advocates view this as a necessary step to uphold election integrity, while critics may see it as an overreach into state electoral processes, potentially complicating local administration.

Notable_points

Additionally, the bill aims to address intimidation during critical stages of election processes, such as tabulation and certification, by introducing criminal penalties for any attempts to interfere with these operations. This is intended to promote a secure and unobstructed election process, which is crucial for maintaining public confidence in electoral outcomes. Overall, HB3130 reflects an increased focus on safeguarding election processes from potential interference and mismanagement.

Companion Bills

US SB1487

Same As Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2023

US HB11

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB2344

Related Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US SB1

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.