S.B. No. 2166 amends the Election Code to improve the testing protocols for voting tabulation equipment, requiring that automatic tabulating equipment be tested at both central counting stations and polling places. The general custodian of election records and the testing board are responsible for preparing and conducting these tests, which must align with the public test of logic and accuracy. The bill mandates that the first test occurs before the equipment is used for counting ballots, with additional tests required immediately before and after the counting process. It also introduces provisions for the handling and inspection of test materials, stipulating that these materials are under the custodian's control after the first test and cannot be publicly inspected until after the final canvass of the election.

Moreover, the bill establishes that a logic and accuracy test for electronic pollbook systems must be conducted prior to elections, with public notice requirements for these tests. It allows for the unsealing of test material containers for public inspection after the final canvass, ensuring they are resealed afterward. The bill also designates the secretary of state to prescribe procedures and training materials for conducting these tests. Notably, it deletes Section 127.096(a-1) from the Election Code, streamlining existing regulations. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, following unanimous approval in both legislative chambers.

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 127, Election Code 129)
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 127, Election Code 129)
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 127, Election Code 129)
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 127, Election Code 129)
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 127, Election Code 129)