Senate committee approves bill to create elections-equipment study panel and delay SB 189 implementation

The Senate committee voted 8-4 to advance LC 4392 (listed in the hearing as SB 3 EX LC 74392), a three-part bill that creates an Elections Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee, expands the use of risk-limiting audits and changes the effective date in SB 189 to Jan. 1, 2028.

Senator Burns, the bills sponsor, told members the nine-person committee would produce specifications for a uniform statewide election system and file a report by Jan. 31, 2027, while equipment would not be used until 2028. "Section 1 creates the election equipment specifications and standards committee," Burns said in his presentation, adding the committee could consult elections directors, cybersecurity specialists, and accessibility experts.

The bill also "expands the use" of risk-limiting audits for top-of-ballot and other statewide contests and amends SB 189s effective date so the state will not have to implement untested equipment before adequate standards and resources are in place. Burns called it "a positive and prudent and reasonable way" to move forward.

Debate focused on appointments to the study committee and how advisors will be chosen. Senators Jackson and others proposed an amendment to require minority-party appointees; that amendment failed on a roll call (4 in favor, 8 opposed). Opponents argued the bills appointment language follows standard committee-on-assignments practice and does not preclude minority appointees, while supporters said strict drafting changes could jeopardize an existing inter-branch agreement crafted with the governors office.

The committee also heard repeated questions about how the committee would select and vet cybersecurity experts. Burns said the committee itself would determine which experts to consult and that the secretary of state would serve only in an advisory role.

The committee chair announced the bill "passes" and said it will move to the House for further action.