Signed by Governor Brian Kemp

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that extends the authorized use of QR code ballots in Georgia.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee to create the specifications, standards, and requirements for a new uniform system of election equipment (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the committee will consist of 9 members, as follows (Sec. 1): 

• 3 electors appointed by the Governor;

• 3 members of the Senate; and 

• 3 members of the House of Representatives. 

• Requires the committee to submit a report by January 31, 2027 recommending specifications in sufficient detail to support appropriations, procurement, and implementation of the new system for the 2028 election cycle (Sec. 1). 

• Repeals the establishing section creating the committee on July 1, 2029 (Sec. 1).

• Requires each election superintendent to complete a manual recount of all votes cast on the two races at the top of the ballot, or the single race if only one appears, before certifying the results (Sec. 1). 

• Expands the contests subject to risk-limiting audits to include, when on the ballot, each of the Presidential, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General races, in addition to the contest at the top of the ballot (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect upon passage (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that extends the authorized use of QR code ballots in Georgia.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee to create the specifications, standards, and requirements for a new uniform system of election equipment (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the committee will consist of 9 members, as follows (Sec. 1): 

• 3 electors appointed by the Governor;

• 3 members of the Senate; and 

• 3 members of the House of Representatives. 

• Requires the committee to submit a report by January 31, 2027 recommending specifications in sufficient detail to support appropriations, procurement, and implementation of the new system for the 2028 election cycle (Sec. 1). 

• Repeals the establishing section creating the committee on July 1, 2029 (Sec. 1).

• Requires each election superintendent to complete a manual recount of all votes cast on the two races at the top of the ballot, or the single race if only one appears, before certifying the results (Sec. 1). 

• Expands the contests subject to risk-limiting audits to include, when on the ballot, each of the Presidential, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General races, in addition to the contest at the top of the ballot (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect upon passage (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text