(a) There shall be a special commission established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to study and evaluate the election and voting procedures of the commonwealth to ensure transparency and election integrity.

(b) The commission shall consist of 7 members: 1 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate president; 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; 1 of whom shall be appointed by the state secretary; 1 of whom shall be appointed by the Massachusetts City Clerks Association, Inc.; and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, Inc.. The commission shall elect from its members a chair and any other officers it considers necessary.

(c) The commission shall analyze the voting laws, procedures, practices and equipment utilized in elections in the commonwealth. The commission shall investigate the manner by which votes are cast throughout the commonwealth, including, but not limited to: (i) the technology and software used in tabulating vote counts; (ii) technology and procedures used in determining voter eligibility; (iii) any irregularities reported in early, mail in absentee or day of voting; (iv) or any other aspect of election and voting procedures that the commission determines to be paramount to ensure election integrity. The commission may seek information from other state election officials and review their best practices and procedures. 

(d) The commission shall hold a minimum of 4 listening sessions in geographically diverse locations throughout the commonwealth and provide for at least 1 online listening session. The state secretary shall create an online portal allowing citizens of the commonwealth to submit comments and testimony for the commission’s consideration. All correspondence shall be submitted to all members of the commission prior to the start of discussion and deliberation. 

(e) No later than February 1, 2023, the commission shall file its report, together with their findings and recommendations on best practices with clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the joint committee on election laws.