H.B. No. 1478 amends the Election Code by transferring and redesignating Section 16.039 to Section 12.007. The bill introduces new provisions that allow the Secretary of State to withhold funds administered under Chapter 19 or Section 31.009 from a voter registrar if they fail to timely perform specific duties related to voter registration. These duties include the approval, change, or cancellation of a voter's registration, scheduling hearings, determining challenges, and delivering notices as outlined in various sections of the Election Code.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a registrar rectifies their failure to perform these duties within 30 days of the funds being withheld, the Secretary of State is required to distribute the withheld funds. This legislation aims to enhance compliance with voter registration laws and ensure timely actions by registrars. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.