S.B. No. 618 aims to establish stricter regulations against the unlawful alteration of election procedures in Texas. The bill amends Section 276.019 of the Election Code to prohibit public officials or election officials from creating, altering, modifying, waiving, or suspending any election standards, practices, or procedures mandated by law unless expressly authorized. It introduces a civil penalty for officials who fail to comply with these regulations, specifying that a public official or election official may be liable for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for the first week of non-compliance and $5,000 per day thereafter.

Additionally, the bill outlines a process for addressing violations, including the requirement for the Secretary of State to investigate complaints and notify the offending official of their non-compliance. If the official does not comply within two business days, the Secretary of State must inform the Attorney General, who can then pursue civil penalties. The bill also mandates the Secretary of State to produce a monthly report on violations and includes provisions for confidentiality regarding investigation documents. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 276.019 (Election Code 276)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 276.019 (Election Code 276)
Engrossed: Election Code 276.019 (Election Code 276)
House Committee Report: Election Code 276.019 (Election Code 276)