The bill amends existing laws regarding the election of city council members in municipalities, specifically focusing on the requirements for filing ordinances related to these elections. It introduces new provisions that mandate the governing body of a municipality to file an ordinance describing the election of council members with the county clerk by August 31 of the calendar year preceding the election. Additionally, cities of the first class must file such ordinances by January 1, 2026. The bill stipulates that once an ordinance is filed, no changes can be made to the election process until a new ordinance is passed and filed by the same deadline. If a city of the first class fails to file an ordinance, its council members will be elected at large.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the election procedures for cities of the second class, ensuring that ordinances are also filed with the county clerk by the same deadlines. It clarifies that the county board of election commissioners will oversee the establishment of voting precincts for each ward, ensuring that qualified electors have access to at least one voting location. The overall intent of the bill is to standardize the election process for city council members and ensure compliance with filing requirements to maintain orderly elections.

Statutes affected:
SB 297: 14-43-307, 14-43-308, 14-43-309, 14-44-103(b), 14-44-103
Act 283: 14-43-307, 14-43-308, 14-43-309, 14-44-103(b), 14-44-103