HB419 Summary

• Establishes the Elections Emergency Act to create procedures for suspending or delaying elections during declared states of emergency.

• Authorizes the Governor to suspend or delay any election upon proclamation of a state of emergency or declaration of imminent threat, independently or upon request from the Secretary of State, county judge of probate, or municipal clerk.

• Requires rescheduled elections to be held within 21 calendar days of the original election date, with subsequent elections in the same cycle receiving the same delay or suspension.

• Directs the Secretary of State to adopt a statewide elections emergency contingency plan containing procedures for notifying officials and the public, conducting rescheduled elections safely, and certifying results.

• Addresses ballot handling if voted ballots or equipment are destroyed during an emergency, allowing voters to recast ballots and establishing rules for counting absentee ballots received by the rescheduled election date.