The proposed bill seeks to amend current election statutes by clarifying the authority of the Secretary of State (SOS) regarding the Elections Procedures Manual (EPM). Specifically, it asserts that the requirement for the SOS to adopt an official instructions and procedures manual shall not be interpreted as an excessive delegation of legislative powers. This addition emphasizes the legislative intent behind the SOS's authority to create the EPM.

Furthermore, the bill reiterates that the EPM has the force of law only for those provisions that the Legislature has specifically authorized the SOS to include. It distinguishes these authorized provisions from those sections included under the general grant of authority, which do not carry the same legal weight. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines on the legislative powers related to election procedures while maintaining the existing structure of the EPM as outlined in current law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-452
House Engrossed Version: 16-452