AI-assisted research summary: A voting system equipment contract must be in writing and approved by the secretary of state before it can be executed or paid on if unapproved.
Sec. 123.035. VOTING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT CONTRACT. (a) A contract for the acquisition of voting system equipment under this subchapter must be in writing and be approved by the secretary of state as to compliance of the voting system and voting system equipment with the applicable requirements. The authority acquiring the equipment shall submit to the secretary of state a request for the letter and order described by this subsection accompanied by a copy of the relevant portions of the contract containing only the identifying information that the secretary needs to determine whether the version of the system and equipment being acquired under the contract complies with the applicable requirements. If the contract is approved, the secretary of state shall provide to the parties to the contract: (1) a letter stating that the voting system and voting system equipment being acquired under the contract satisfy the applicable requirements for approval; and (2) a certified copy of the written order issued by the secretary under Section 122.038 or 122.070 approving the voting system and voting system equipment for use in elections and, if applicable, of the written order issued under Section 122.095 granting conditional approval of the system or equipment. (b) A contract for the acquisition of voting system equipment under this subchapter that is not approved by the secretary of state in accordance with Subsection (a) is void. The contract may not be ratified by either party and a payment may not be made relating to the contract. (c) A person commits an offense if the person executes a voting system equipment contract that is not approved by the secretary of state in accordance with Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) If the secretary of state does not approve a contract under this section, the secretary shall provide notice to the parties to the contract that states the reasons the contract was not approved. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, Sec. 45, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 653, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.