Panel approves requirement that certified voting machines be U.S.‑sourced to curb supply‑chain risk

House Bill 2901 advanced out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation after proponents argued requiring U.S.‑sourced parts and domestic assembly would reduce supply‑chain and foreign‑component risks in election technology.

Staff summarized the bill as aligning state certification requirements with the Help America Vote Act and adding a prohibition that, beginning 01/01/2029, the Secretary of State shall not certify vote‑recording or tabulating machines unless parts, manufacturing and assembly are sourced entirely in the United States.

Supporters said recent security incidents and known foreign‑affiliated chipset providers justify domestic sourcing. "This keeps foreign products out of our voting machines," Chair Gillette said in debate. Members pressed on county cost and optionality: county officials would face replacement costs if machines do not meet the new standard. Committee members noted the bill preserves local control — counties could choose alternative, simpler non‑networked tabulators if they prefer to avoid complex machines.

The committee called the question and returned HB2901 with a due‑pass recommendation (roll call recorded); sponsor and chair urged state officials to coordinate penetration testing and certification standards and to use the state's cybersecurity review processes in evaluating procurements.

Next steps: Appropriations and county elections offices will need estimates for replacement equipment costs and timeline implications. Committee members asked the Secretary of State’s office and cybersecurity officials to advise on certification and procurement feasibility.