This bill allows the Secretary of State to establish a grant system for cities and towns to access funds from the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) grants. The grants can be used to improve election security and technology, including the purchase of ballot counting devices, electronic poll books, and secure laptops. The bill also removes the requirement for the Secretary of State to maintain a minimum balance in the election fund. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, but it may require the creation of a new position within the Department of State to administer the grant program. The cost of new election equipment will vary depending on the needs of each city or town.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:6-d