Bill > SB1541

This bill modifies Texas Election Code provisions related to state oversight of county elections, expanding the Secretary of State's authority to implement administrative oversight beyond just counties with populations over 4 million. The bill allows the Secretary of State to order administrative oversight if an administrative election complaint is filed by specific election participants, such as candidates, political party chairs, or presiding judges, and after conducting an investigation that reveals recurring problems in election administration or voter registration. These problems could include voting equipment malfunctions, errors in vote tabulation, ballot counting issues, or voter list maintenance failures. The bill introduces a new monitoring mechanism where the Secretary of State can either recommend administrative oversight or work directly with county election officials to develop a remediation plan if audit findings reveal systemic issues. If a county fails to adequately implement the proposed plan, the Secretary of State can then order administrative oversight. The bill also provides guidelines for the duration of administrative oversight, which can last up to two years, and grants the Secretary of State the power to potentially terminate the employment of a county elections administrator if persistent problems are not resolved. The legislation aims to enhance election integrity and ensure proper election management at the county level.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1541