MS SB2096

Mississippi Department of Information and Technology Services (MDITS) must establish mandatory minimum cybersecurity standards for county registrars and election commissioners accessing the Statewide Elections Management System by January 1, 2027

Counties will undergo assessments to verify compliance with cybersecurity standards, with results kept confidential except for access by the State Auditor, MDITS, and Secretary of State

Until January 1, 2028, non-compliant counties receive a 6-month period to resolve cybersecurity issues before facing penalties

Beginning January 1, 2028, counties failing to meet cybersecurity standards will have their Election Support Fund usage restricted solely to achieving compliance

The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Section 23-15-165 of the Mississippi Code governing the Statewide Elections Management System