Election Technology Research Act of 2020
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Sep 2020): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
What this bill does
The Election Technology Research Act of 2020 would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research on voting systems. This research would focus on improving the security, integrity, and accessibility of elections. NIST would also be tasked with establishing common data format specifications for elements of voting systems, such as voter registration and auditing.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies involved in election technology and research, including NIST and NSF, by authorizing appropriations for these activities. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations would be eligible to receive grants to establish centers for election systems research. The General Accountability Office (GAO) would be required to report on the effectiveness of NIST's efforts to develop voluntary voting system guidelines.
H.R. 4990 was introduced in the House of Representatives and passed by the House on September 16, 2020. The bill's next step in the legislative process is to be considered by the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Election Technology Research Act of 2020
This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other agencies to support research on voting systems.
(Sec. 2) NIST, in collaboration with the NSF, must carry out research related to the security and integrity of voting systems.
NIST shall make an award to an institution of higher education or a nonprofit organization to establish a Center of Excellence in Election Systems.
(Sec. 3) The NSF, in collaboration with other agencies, shall award basic research grants to increase the understanding of cyber and other threats to voting systems and to inform the development of technologies, processes, and policies that contribute to more secure, fair, and accessible elections.
The NSF shall award grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations to establish at least one multidisciplinary center for elections systems research and education.
(Sec. 4) NIST shall establish and make available common data format specifications for auditing, voter registration, and other elements of voting systems.
(Sec. 5) The General Accountability Office must report on, among other things, the extent to which NIST's efforts to assist in the development of voluntary voting systems guidelines have resulted in market-ready standardized voting equipment and software.
Timeline
17 Sep 2020
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4990 do?
- The Election Technology Research Act of 2020 would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research on voting systems. This research would focus on improving the security, integrity, and accessibility of elections. NIST would also be tasked with establishing common data format specifications for elements of voting systems, such as voter registration and auditing. The bill primarily affects federal agencies involved in election technology and research, including NIST and NSF, by authorizing appropriations for these activities. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations would be eligible to receive grants to establish centers for election systems research. The General Accountability Office (GAO) would be required to report on the effectiveness of NIST's efforts to develop voluntary voting system guidelines. H.R. 4990 was introduced in the House of Representatives and passed by the House on September 16, 2020. The bill's next step in the legislative process is to be considered by the Senate.
- Has H.R. 4990 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4990. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4990?
- H.R. 4990 was sponsored by Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11] (D-NJ), with 12 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4990?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (17 Sep 2020).
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