Substitute Bill No. 1226, titled "AN ACT CONCERNING STATE VOTING RIGHTS IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN R. LEWIS," is designed to protect the voting rights of members of protected classes, which include citizens who are members of a race, color, or language minority group. The bill defines terms related to municipal elections and prohibits voting qualifications or prerequisites that impair the right to vote for protected class members. It also bans municipal election methods that impair the political participation of protected class members, such as at-large elections where racially polarized voting occurs. The bill outlines how the superior court should evaluate claims of racially polarized voting, emphasizing the importance of statistical evidence and past elections.

The bill allows individuals, organizations, and the Secretary of the State to file actions in the superior court for violations, and the court can order remedies to ensure equitable political participation. Municipalities must follow specific procedures when proposing new election methods or redistricting plans, including public hearings and notification requirements. The bill also establishes a state-wide database to assist in evaluating election practices and mandates the provision of voting assistance in languages other than English for limited English proficient individuals. Additionally, the bill introduces a preclearance requirement for covered jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations, requiring them to submit new policies for review before implementation. Lastly, the bill makes voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction illegal, allowing for court-ordered remedies and damages, and mandates the awarding of attorneys' fees and litigation costs to prevailing parties in actions to enforce the act's provisions.