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 within a specified timeframe. The bill mandates that the secretary of state maintain a record of those assessed penalties and publish it online, while also allowing the attorney general to take action to recover unpaid penalties. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and requests for explanations can only be made for elections held after this date.

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)