General Assembly Raised Bill No. 387 proposes the creation of a Municipal Election Accountability Board within the office of the Secretary of the State, aimed at enhancing the oversight and administration of elections, primaries, and referenda in municipalities. The board will include the Secretary of the State, the executive director of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, and nine members appointed by the Secretary with the General Assembly's advice and consent, ensuring diverse political representation and expertise in election law. Members will serve four-year terms without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses. The bill also establishes a process for referring municipalities to the board for review in cases of suspected irregularities, allowing various officials to initiate referrals based on observed issues.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a tiered oversight system for municipalities based on the severity of reported issues, categorizing them into four tiers. Tier I municipalities will create mitigation plans and receive mandatory training, while Tier II will face additional oversight. Tier III municipalities will have an appointed election monitor, and Tier IV municipalities will have their elections fully administered by the board. The legislation mandates the board to adopt necessary regulations by January 1, 2027, to ensure effective implementation of these provisions. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen accountability in the electoral process while preserving the existing powers of the Secretary of the State and the State Elections Enforcement Commission.