Voting Systems Protection Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9349
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T18:04:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Voting Systems Protection Act (H.R. 9349)
Purpose This legislation amends titles 52 and 18 of the United States Code to regulate federal seizures of election materials, require state oversight, impose penalties for improper handling, and limit such actions near federal elections. Its stated goal is to protect the integrity of voting systems and related records.
Key Provisions
- State Oversight Requirement: Federal agencies seizing voting machines, voter rolls, ballots, election equipment, or related records must allow a designated state election official to observe handling, storage, examination, and chain of custody at all times. The state official may document conditions, access storage sites, and countersign records.
- Warrant Requirement: Seizures may only occur under a court-issued warrant.
- Criminal Penalties: Federal officials who tamper with, damage, destroy, or mishandle seized materials, falsify records, or obstruct state oversight face fines, up to 10 years imprisonment if done knowingly, or civil penalties if negligent. Violators are permanently barred from federal employment or office. A 9-year statute of limitations applies, and states may sue for damages.
- Advance Notification: At least 48 hours before a seizure, federal agencies must notify the affected state's chief election official and designated congressional committees with details on materials, authority, duration, and location. Emergency exceptions allow shorter notice with explanation.
- Election-Period Restrictions: No seizures are permitted during a 240-day "restricted period" around federal elections (120 days before and after) unless a court finds clear evidence of imminent harm to election integrity, public safety, or national security. Seizures must be narrowly tailored and follow notification rules. States may seek expedited court review.
- Implementation: The Attorney General must issue regulations and provide training to federal personnel within 180 days.
- Definitions: Broadly define "voting systems," "election equipment and records," "seizure," "imminent harm," and "state official" to cover physical and constructive control of materials.
- Severability and Effective Date: Invalid provisions do not affect the rest; the law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds new sections (52 U.S.C. § 20702 and 18 U.S.C. § 594A) that introduce mandatory state involvement, pre-seizure notifications, time-based prohibitions, and enhanced penalties not previously required under federal law for election materials. It expands warrant and oversight rules beyond general Fourth Amendment standards for this specific category of items.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Federal entities (such as the Department of Justice or Homeland Security) must accommodate state observers, cover related costs, follow strict timelines, and face increased liability for violations.
- Citizens: Indirect effects may include heightened procedural safeguards for election materials, potentially affecting investigations or audits involving voting systems.
- International Relations: No direct provisions address international matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal law enforcement and agencies conducting seizures.
- State election officials (Secretaries of State or equivalents) granted oversight and notification rights.
- Congressional committees on House Administration, Judiciary, and Senate Rules and Administration.
- States, which may pursue civil actions.
- Federal courts, which handle warrants, reviews, and penalties.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Raises federalism issues by requiring state participation in federal actions involving state-administered elections.
- Reinforces warrant requirements and adds civil remedies for states.
- Creates new criminal and civil liabilities for federal personnel, with extended statutes of limitations.
- Includes judicial review mechanisms and cost-shifting provisions that could influence separation of powers between branches.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Voting Systems Protection Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (14 pages)