HB 154 is a comprehensive bill that amends various aspects of election laws, particularly focusing on the use and security of electronic ballot counting devices. The bill includes provisions for the inclusion of the Space Force in the definition of uniformed service voters, updates the design of ballots to be compatible with electronic systems, and mandates the use of symbols for marking choices, including write-in candidates. It also specifies the use of colored paper for ballots to distinguish party designation and updates language on presidential primary election ballots. The ballot law commission is given the responsibility to approve electronic ballot counting devices and must review them every five years, while vendors are required to provide electronic records of data for each memory card used in an election. Security measures are enhanced by requiring clerks to preserve memory devices, use seals as directed by the secretary of state, maintain an activity log for seal updates, and certify the integrity of devices and the pre-election testing process.

Furthermore, the bill dictates that polling places must have table-top voting privacy screens, outlines the minimum number of voting booths and privacy screens required, and updates the term "Moderator's Certificate" to "Pre-Election Certificate," increasing the number of copies. It introduces gender-neutral language, provides detailed instructions for marking ballots, and updates procedures for folding and depositing ballots. The bill also changes the process for handling ballots in electronic ballot counting device areas, increases penalties for tampering with election equipment, modifies the processing of absentee ballots, and amends the counting of write-in votes to include the use of digital images. Additionally, it updates the content of election return forms, simplifies the reporting of overvotes and undervotes, and authorizes the secretary of state to conduct audits of electronic ballot counting devices. The effective date for the act is February 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147:1
As Amended by the Senate: 652:16-c, 656:12, 656:13, 656:15, 656:25, 656:31, 656:40, 656:41, 656:42, 658:9, 658:32, 659:15, 659:16, 659:17, 659:21, 659:23, 659:25, 658:28, 659:41, 659:42, 659:47, 659:53, 659:64-a, 659:73, 659:75, 665:2, 669:23, 669:24, 44:20
Version adopted by both bodies: 652:16-c, 656:12, 656:13, 656:15, 656:25, 656:31, 656:40, 656:41, 656:42, 658:9, 658:32, 659:15, 659:16, 659:17, 659:21, 659:23, 659:25, 658:28, 659:41, 659:42, 659:47, 659:53, 659:64-a, 659:73, 659:75, 665:2, 669:23, 669:24, 44:20
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 652:16-c, 656:12, 656:13, 656:15, 656:25, 656:31, 656:40, 656:41, 656:42, 658:9, 658:32, 659:15, 659:16, 659:17, 659:21, 659:23, 659:25, 658:28, 659:41, 659:42, 659:47, 659:53, 659:64-a, 659:73, 659:75, 665:2, 669:23, 669:24, 44:20