This bill introduces new regulations for contractors who repair electronic ballot counting devices, requiring them to register with both the Secretary of State and the Attorney General before performing any repairs. Specifically, the bill adds a new section, RSA 656:42-a, which mandates that contractors must obtain a registration number by providing proof of being bonded and insured. Additionally, contractors are required to present a photographic identification card to designated municipal officials, which must include their full name, company name, and registration number. This information must be recorded in a device log, and contractors must visibly display their identification while in the vicinity of the device.
The bill also stipulates that the Secretary of State will develop training for municipal officials on how to verify and record a contractor's identity and credentials. While the bill does not allocate funding or create new positions, it is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact on state expenditures, particularly for the Department of Justice, which may face increased workload due to the new registration process. However, the bill does not establish enforcement mechanisms for compliance, leaving the potential fiscal implications unclear.