The bill, S.B. No. 505, aims to enhance the processes for addressing election irregularities in Texas and introduces a civil penalty for non-compliance. It amends the Election Code, particularly Section 31.017, to allow the secretary of state's office to order administrative oversight of county election offices based on specific criteria, including the filing of administrative election complaints by certain individuals and the existence of recurring problems in election administration. The bill also establishes a new Chapter 280, which outlines the procedures for individuals to request explanations for election-related actions and to seek audits from the secretary of state if they are unsatisfied with the responses received.

Key amendments include the expansion of the criteria for administrative oversight to include counties with populations over 4 million and the introduction of a civil penalty of $500 for county clerks or authorities that fail to remedy violations identified by the secretary of state. The bill mandates that the secretary of state maintain a record of those assessed penalties and publish it online. Additionally, it specifies that requests for explanations and audits can only be made for elections held after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()
House Committee Report: Election Code 31.017, Election Code 31.018, Election Code 31.019, Election Code 31.020, Election Code 31.037 (Election Code 31)