Bill would ban Internet access for voting machines; penalties would include a class 1 misdemeanor

Summary

Senate Bill 10 37 would prohibit Internet access to voting and tabulation equipment and add cybersecurity requirements; a committee member asked whether voting machines currently have Internet access and about enforcement, and staff replied the bill bans Internet connectivity and includes misdemeanor penalties for violations.

Senate Bill 10 37, as amended, would prohibit voting and tabulation equipment used in Arizona elections from having Internet access and would establish additional requirements for data security, according to committee staff.

During caucus discussion a committee member questioned whether the measure is absolute — noting public concerns that some voting systems can access networks — and asked what repercussions would follow if Internet access occurred. Staff answered that the bill prohibits Internet connectivity for both polling‑place and tabulation machinery and that the statute, as drafted, outlines penalties for violations, including a class 1 misdemeanor.

Staff framed the bill as part of logic and accuracy testing and cybersecurity measures for election equipment; members clarified that a separate bill (SB 15 68) addresses timekeeping functions for election software while SB 10 37 is focused on connectivity and testing protocols.

The provision was presented on the caucus consent calendar with staff available for follow‑up questions; the transcript records the committee exchange and staff responses but does not include a formal floor vote in the caucus discussion.