SF 4290

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/25/2022 10:23am

A bill for an act
relating to elections; establishing a procedure for the chair of either of the state's
two largest major political parties to request a forensic audit of a state primary or
state general election; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 204C.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [204C.365] FORENSIC AUDITS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Request for a forensic audit; scope. new text end

new text begin No later than 5:00 p.m. on the
second day after the canvass of a state primary or state general election, the chair of either
of the state's two largest major political parties may file a request for a forensic audit of the
conduct of the election. The chair may express a specific area of focus for the audit, or may
request a general forensic audit. A general forensic audit must include, at a minimum, a
review of voting machine accuracy, election cybersecurity measures, voter eligibility, and
the maintenance of election records required by law. The audit must be conducted by an
independent organization with experience conducting elections audits. The independent
organization must be chosen by the secretary of state, in consultation with the requesting
political party chair.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Expenses. new text end

new text begin The cost of a forensic audit must be paid by the political party on
whose behalf the audit is requested. The requesting party must file with the secretary of
state a bond, cash, or surety in an amount set by the secretary for the payment of forensic
audit expenses. The requesting party is responsible for the following expenses: the
compensation of the secretary of state, or designees, and any election judge, municipal clerk,
county auditor, administrator, or other personnel of a state or local government required to
participate in the audit; necessary supplies and travel related to the audit; the compensation
and fees of the independent organization conducting the audit; and any reasonable attorney
fees related to the audit incurred by the governing body of a unit of government whose
practices are a subject of the audit.
new text end