The bill amends Section 233.014 of the Election Code to establish new requirements and procedures for contests of elections regarding proposed constitutional amendments. Key changes include stipulations that the filing of an election contest does not suspend the implementation of a constitutional amendment approved by a majority vote unless the contestant demonstrates a substantial likelihood of success on the merits and other specified conditions at a hearing within 30 days of filing. Additionally, the trial court is required to issue a written ruling on pretrial motions within 30 days, and the judgment must be filed no later than 180 days after the contested election.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the timeline for trial dates, allowing them to occur earlier than 45 days after the election at the contestant's request, and mandates that the governor declare the election valid or void within 10 days of the final judgment. The appellate court is also required to resolve any appeals within 60 days of the judgment becoming final. These changes apply to contests filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 233.014 (Election Code 233)
House Committee Report: Election Code 233.014 (Election Code 233)