FL H0359

Counties would be authorized to count ballots by hand at the precinct level as an alternative to using electronic or electromechanical precinct-count tabulation voting systems, changing the current requirement that counties must use electronic/electromechanical systems.

The Department of State would be prohibited from approving any voting system that incorporates hardware or software designed, produced, owned, or licensed by foreign-owned or foreign-controlled entities, or by non-U.S. citizens.

Voting systems produced in whole or in part in a foreign country — including software, hardware, tabulating equipment, printers, and accessories — would be barred from approval.

All voting system information and materials on file with the Department of State must be made publicly available on the department's website at least 3 months before any election in which they will be used.

The existing public records exemption for voting system software on file with the Department of State (s. 119.071(1)(f)) would be deleted, reclassifying such software as a public record available at the actual cost of duplication. Effective date: July 1, 2024.