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Committee advances Secretary of State budget with IT and election equipment funding
Summary
The committee approved House Bill 1002 as amended, moving funding for IT rate increases, election poll-pad replacements, and several position funding shifts in the Secretary of State's budget.
The House Appropriations Committee recommended a do-pass on House Bill 1002, the Secretary of State budget, after Representative Louser walked the committee through the amendment that reallocates personnel funding, adds IT support and license costs, and provides one-time funds for election equipment replacement.
Representative Louser told the committee the amendment includes restoring funding for new and vacant FTEs, moving three positions (two federal election positions and one special services) to general fund support totaling approximately $581,000, and returning two unfilled FTEs to the agency. He described several IT and election-related one-time requests, including $2.8 million for replacement poll pads (iPads used at voter check-in), federal matching for HAVA funds, and $700,000 from SIF for system upgrades.
Louser said the poll-pad replacement ("pull pads in the cradle points") is a one-time replacement because the devices purchased in 2016 are now 10 years old and need replacement. He also described $410,000 in licensing and maintenance increases, $170,000 for data hosting (including opt-in text messaging), and $650,000 for licensing and maintenance for election management and campaign finance upgrades.
Representative Murphy and other members asked for clarity on carryover appropriations and IT procurement timelines; Louser explained portions are carryover authority and that some projects remain in progress from earlier appropriations. Louser said the committee agreed with legislative council to shift $270,000 (plus $18,000) for publication printing back to legislative council with accompanying policy language.
Representative Louser moved the amendment to House Bill 1002; Representative Hansen seconded. The amendment was adopted. Louser then moved House Bill 1002 as amended; Representative Hansen seconded. The committee adopted the bill as amended and selected Representative Louser to carry the bill to the floor.
Why it matters: The amendment shifts personnel funding sources, secures continuing IT and election-management upgrades, and funds replacement of aging voter check-in hardware ahead of upcoming elections. Committee members flagged ongoing timelines for multi-year IT projects and the common occurrence of carryover appropriations.
