S.B. No. 1541 aims to enhance state oversight of county elections in Texas, particularly following a county election audit. The bill amends Section 31.017 of the Election Code to allow the secretary of state's office to order administrative oversight of a county election office based on specific criteria, including the filing of an administrative election complaint by certain individuals involved in the election and the existence of a recurring pattern of problems with election administration or voter registration. The bill also establishes a timeline for the secretary of state to make a determination regarding the implementation of oversight and outlines the responsibilities of county election officials in responding to complaints.

Additionally, the bill modifies various sections of the Election Code to clarify the process for handling administrative election complaints, conducting investigations, and implementing oversight. It specifies that if a recurring pattern of problems is identified during an audit, the secretary of state must either recommend administrative oversight or work with the county to develop a remediation plan. The bill also includes provisions for monitoring compliance with these plans and allows for the termination of a county elections administrator's employment if issues persist. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of election administration in Texas counties, particularly those with populations exceeding four million.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 31.017, Election Code 31.018, Election Code 31.019, Election Code 31.020, Election Code 31.037, Election Code 127.351 (Election Code 127, Election Code 31)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 31.017, Election Code 31.018, Election Code 31.019, Election Code 31.020, Election Code 31.037, Election Code 127.351 (Election Code 127, Election Code 31)
Engrossed: Election Code 31.017, Election Code 31.018, Election Code 31.019, Election Code 31.020, Election Code 31.037, Election Code 127.351 (Election Code 127, Election Code 31)
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 127.351 (Election Code 127, Election Code 31)