The Michigan Legislature held an oversight meeting on May 20, 2025, focusing on cybersecurity protocols and the management of election systems. The meeting began with discussions led by officials from the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining robust cybersecurity measures, particularly in light of increasing concerns over cyber attacks.

A key point of discussion was the evaluation process for bids related to election security systems. Officials noted that one bid was disqualified due to its failure to meet established cybersecurity and privacy requirements. This decision underscores the state's stringent standards for protecting sensitive information.

The conversation then shifted to NIC Inc., a company that was previously merged into Tyler Technologies. Officials clarified that NIC Inc. had been a subsidiary of Tyler Technologies since February 2021. They confirmed that Tyler Technologies owned the Michigan Election Reporting and Tracking System (MERT) prior to the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new system. This raised questions about the timeline of system management and the decision to deactivate MERT before confirming the functionality of the new system.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the implications of these decisions and ensure that all systems in place meet the necessary security standards. The officials expressed their dedication to safeguarding election integrity and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected in future meetings as the state continues to address these critical issues.