MississippiHB 8582026 Regular SessionHouse

OMR voting equipment; prohibit from being capable of establishing wireless connections during an election.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Paper ballot trail and no wireless

For any election after January 1, 2024, officials use only systems that make a voter‑verifiable paper ballot and do not use pre‑scored punch cards. OMR scanners and related equipment cannot make wireless connections while used in an election. Wireless parts may be present only if they cannot be used during the election. The law also defines what counts as a voting system, covering scanners, ballot‑marking devices, printers, tabulation servers, and similar equipment.

Grants to upgrade county voting systems

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Secretary of State runs a grant program to help counties buy modern voting systems. Money comes from the Capital Expense Fund or other sources and is split by each county’s number of polling places. To use grant funds, devices cannot have wireless remote connections. The Secretary of State reviews applications within 30 days, and future‑purchase grants require a verified contract and purchase order, plus proof of payment after purchase. County boards may authorize the circuit clerk or election commission to apply. Counties can spend grant money on other eligible costs only if they were already compliant before April 19, 2022 or have funds left after buying needed systems, and they must first pay any existing voting‑system debt. The department sets rules that define eligible costs, including machines, maintenance, software upgrades, ballot‑marking devices, scanners, ballot‑on‑demand printers, electronic poll books, paper ballots, and voter‑roll upkeep.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Noah Sanford
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026