The proposed legislation, sSB387, establishes the Municipal Election Accountability Board (MEAB) within the Office of the Secretary of the State to oversee the administration of elections, primaries, and referenda in municipalities. The MEAB will consist of 15 members, including the Secretary of the State and the executive director of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, along with 13 appointed members with expertise in election law. The board is tasked with reviewing election procedures, implementing safeguards, and addressing allegations of irregularities. Key insertions in the bill include the establishment of the MEAB, the criteria for member appointments, and the procedures for referring municipalities for review. The bill does not specify any deletions from current law.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured process for citizens to report suspected election irregularities, which the MEAB will preliminarily review before deciding whether to hold a formal hearing. It establishes a tiered oversight system for municipalities, ranging from basic compliance measures to full administration of elections by the board for those requiring significant oversight. The bill also grants the State Elections Enforcement Commission authority to investigate matters referred by the MEAB and mandates the adoption of necessary regulations by January 1, 2027. The fiscal impact is estimated at approximately $542,100 in FY 27 for staffing and operational expenses related to the MEAB.