II 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2166 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 21, 2005 Mr. Lott (for himself and Mr. Dodd) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration A BILL To direct the Election Assistance Commission to make grants to States to restore and replace election administration supplies, materials, records, equipment, and technology which were damaged, destroyed, or dislocated as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Hurricane Election Relief Act of 2005.

2.

Grants to states for restoring and replacing election administration supplies, materials, records, equipment, and technology which were damaged, destroyed, or dislocated by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita

(a)

Authority to Make Grants

The Election Assistance Commission shall make a grant to each eligible State, in such amount as the Commission considers appropriate, for purposes of restoring and replacing supplies, materials, records, equipment, and technology used in the administration of Federal elections in the State which were damaged, destroyed, or dislocated as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita and ensuring the full participation in such elections by individuals who were displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. (b)

Use of grant funds

Funds received under a grant under subsection (a) shall be used in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. (c)

Eligibility

A State is eligible to receive a grant under this section if it submits to the Commission (at such time and in such form as the Commission may require) a certification that— (1)supplies, materials, records, equipment, and technology used in the administration of Federal elections in the State were damaged, destroyed, or dislocated as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita; or (2)the system of such State for conducting Federal elections has been significantly impacted by the displacement of individuals as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita.

3.

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2006 for grants under this Act $50,000,000, to remain available until expended.