I was expecting a quick hearing.

House Bill 428 would require disclosure if a component of an election system – hardware or software, had been manufactured in a foreign country.

Identical legislation passed the House last year.

However, as I noted in my testimony today, this Senate committee amended the legislation to provide for cost sharing between state and local governments on another election expense.

After I spoke, a committee member asked why HB 428 singled out foreign manufacturers.

“That’s where the problem exists, so far as we know,” I responded.

I was asked questions for 10-15 minutes by several senators.

As soon as I returned to my office, I emailed Senator Cheryl Kagan, who had chaired the committee meeting, “Let’s discuss my bill.”