The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the security, integrity, and oversight of electronic and electromechanical voting systems. It establishes minimum security standards that must be evaluated and updated annually by the newly created Election Technology Advisory Board. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "auditable storage methods" and "election data," and mandates that all voting systems comply with these standards. It also imposes stricter regulations on the purchase and certification of election systems, including prohibiting local governing bodies from acquiring uncertified systems and requiring vendors to disclose defects. Additionally, the bill emphasizes transparency by mandating public testing of voting systems and audits, ensuring that testing records are accessible to the public.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines stringent security requirements for voting systems, including prohibitions on wireless communication for tabulators and mandates for the use of open-source code or inspected proprietary software. It requires that all software development be conducted by U.S. citizens and mandates a full supply chain analysis to ensure hardware and software are free from malware. The bill also enhances the approval process for voting systems, requiring reimbursement for examination costs and establishing conflict-of-interest provisions for examiners. It emphasizes the importance of audit reports and mandates that records of pre-election testing be maintained for public inspection. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the integrity and security of Florida's electoral processes through rigorous oversight and accountability measures.

Statutes affected:
S 394 Filed: 97.021, 101.015, 101.017, 101.293, 101.294, 101.295, 101.34, 101.341, 101.5604, 101.5605, 101.5606, 101.56065, 101.5612, 101.591, 101.68, 101.69