Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 814

Bill Title: Election Law - Voting Machines - Voting System Warranty Requirement

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Raskin , et al.

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: This emergency bill would have specified the warranties that a vendor must provide when supplying voting machines to the state. It also would have authorized any person to file suit on behalf of the state to enforce an alleged breach of the warranty and to be awarded expenses, attorney's fees and costs.

History: The bill died in committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: There is no reason to create a private cause of action for the enforcement of state contracts. Such contracts and their warranties should be enforced by state agencies through the Attorney General's office.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.