S.B. No. 505 introduces a new chapter to the Texas Election Code, specifically Chapter 280, which establishes a formal process for addressing election irregularities. The bill allows individuals who participated in an election—such as candidates, political party chairs, and presiding judges—to request explanations and supporting documentation from the county clerk or relevant election authority regarding specific actions or discrepancies that may indicate violations of election laws. The county clerk is required to respond to these requests within specified timeframes, and if the requestor is unsatisfied with the response, they can escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for further investigation and potential audit.

Additionally, the bill outlines the consequences for election authorities that fail to address identified violations. If a violation is not remedied within 30 days of notification from the Secretary of State, a civil penalty of $500 will be assessed for each unaddressed violation. The Secretary of State is also empowered to conduct audits and may appoint a conservator to oversee elections in counties where violations are found. The bill mandates that any collected civil penalties be deposited into the state treasury, and it will apply only to elections held after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

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