S.B. No. 2166 amends the Election Code to strengthen the testing protocols for automatic tabulating equipment used in elections. Key provisions include the requirement for the general custodian of election records and the testing board to conduct initial tests at both central counting stations and polling places, with subsequent tests prepared jointly by the counting station manager and presiding judge. The bill mandates that the automatic tabulating equipment be tested before and after ballot counting, and that test ballots be printed on the same stock as official ballots. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement for testing electronic pollbook systems to ensure the accuracy of the voter database and the functionality of peripheral devices.

The bill also enhances public transparency by requiring that notices of testing be published on the political subdivision's website or bulletin board at least 48 hours in advance. It establishes protocols for the handling and inspection of test materials, including a new subsection that restricts public access to these materials until after the final election canvass. The bill further includes a hash validation process to ensure the integrity of the voting system and outlines procedures for retesting if initial tests are unsuccessful. Notably, it repeals Section 127.096(a-1) of the Election Code, indicating a significant regulatory change. The effective date for these amendments is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 127.091, Election Code 127.094, Election Code 127.096, Election Code 127.099, Election Code 127.100, Election Code 129.021, Election Code 129.023, Election Code 129.024 (Election Code 129, Election Code 127)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 127.091, Election Code 127.094, Election Code 127.096, Election Code 127.099, Election Code 127.100, Election Code 129.021, Election Code 129.023, Election Code 129.024 (Election Code 129, Election Code 127)
Engrossed: Election Code 127.091, Election Code 127.094, Election Code 127.096, Election Code 127.099, Election Code 127.100, Election Code 129.021, Election Code 129.023, Election Code 129.024 (Election Code 129, Election Code 127)
House Committee Report: Election Code 127.091, Election Code 127.094, Election Code 127.096, Election Code 127.099, Election Code 127.100, Election Code 129.021, Election Code 129.023, Election Code 129.024 (Election Code 129, Election Code 127)
Enrolled: Election Code 127.091, Election Code 127.094, Election Code 127.096, Election Code 127.099, Election Code 127.100, Election Code 129.021, Election Code 129.023, Election Code 129.024 (Election Code 129, Election Code 127)