The proposed bill aims to establish the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, which will serve as a central repository for election and voting data from local governments across the state. The Secretary of State is tasked with entering into an agreement with one or more public research universities by November 5, 2027, to create and administer this database and institute. The initiative will not only maintain a comprehensive collection of election-related data but also promote research, training, and public access to information regarding voting systems and election administration. The database will include various types of data, such as election results, voter registration lists, and polling place information, all of which must be made publicly available at no cost.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and local governments in providing election data, including reimbursement for costs incurred by local governments in fulfilling data requests. It mandates the implementation of cybersecurity standards for the data maintained by the institute and establishes a framework for the dissemination of this information. The bill also includes provisions for the enforcement of compliance and requires the database and institute to publish annual reports on their operations. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of related legislation within the 103rd Legislature.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 691.1031