HB 3017 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Compliance Audits of Tabulating Equipment

HB 3017 requires county commissions to inspect all precinct voting machines one week before in-person voting to verify they are disconnected from the internet (no modems or SIM cards) and properly sealed. The Secretary of State must then conduct a random pre-election audit of 10% of machines across at least five counties, with public reports detailing compliance. This directly affects county election officials and the Secretary of State, mandating specific verification steps and reporting. The bill aims to ensure voting equipment remains physically isolated from internet connectivity as required by state law.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status failed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

Governor

Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Apr 9, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Committee Substitute → hb3017 sfa weld _1 4-8 adopted.htm · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to replace a specific mandate requiring county inspections of electronic voting systems with a new, broader administrative complaint procedure. The original text focused on verifying that voting machines lack internet connectivity, while the new text establishes a formal process for citizens to report election violations, allowing the Secretary of State to investigate and potentially refer cases to criminal authorities.

Scope change

The scope shifted from a mandatory, preventative inspection protocol for all counties to a reactive system where the Secretary of State investigates specific complaints filed by the public or election officials regarding election law violations.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the mandatory requirement for county commissions to inspect all precinct tabulating equipment one week before elections to ensure no internet connectivity.

Removed the requirement for the Secretary of State to conduct a pre-election audit of 10% of voting equipment in five random counties.

Added a new state-based administrative complaint procedure allowing any person to file a notarized, written complaint regarding election violations.

ENFORCEMENT

Established formal investigation protocols, including the ability to issue subpoenas, conduct depositions, and submit findings to the State Election Commission.

Created a mechanism for the State Election Commission to issue offers of settlement or refer complaints to proper authorities if probable cause is found.

TIMELINE

Changed the timeline for resolution from fixed pre-election dates to a 90-day statutory period for the Secretary of State to make a final determination on complaints.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 8, 2025

Upper · Passed

Floor amendment adopted (Roll No. 378)

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported do pass

upper

Mar 18, 2025

Committee

To Government Organization

upper

Mar 18, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

Mar 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed House (Roll No. 92)

lower

Mar 11, 2025

Lower · Passed

By substitute, do pass

lower

Mar 5, 2025

Committee

To House Legal Services

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Committee

To House Judiciary

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Committee

To Judiciary

lower

1 primary · 7 co-sponsors