The bill, S.B. No. 1539, amends the Election Code to clarify the procedures and requirements for contesting elections related to proposed constitutional amendments. Notably, it establishes that the filing of an election contest will not suspend the implementation of a constitutional amendment that has been approved by a majority of votes cast. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that the official result of a contested election cannot be declared until the contest is finally determined. Instead, it allows the governor to declare the election valid or void within ten days after a court judgment becomes final.

The changes introduced by this bill will apply to contests of constitutional amendment elections filed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. For contests filed before this date, the existing laws will remain in effect. This legislation aims to streamline the election contest process and ensure that constitutional amendments can be implemented without unnecessary delays due to ongoing contests.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 233.014 (Election Code 233)