CT SB00441

Establishes a Municipal Election Accountability Board within the Secretary of State's office, effective July 1, 2024, to review and oversee election administration in municipalities referred for irregularities or improprieties

Board comprises 15 members: Secretary of State (chair), State Elections Enforcement Commission executive director, nine members appointed by the Secretary from recommendations by election professional associations, and four legislative leader appointees serving four-year terms

Secretary of State, State Elections Enforcement Commission, Superior Court judges, or local election officials may refer municipalities to the board for review hearings when irregularities are suspected; hearings must occur within 10 days of referral

Creates four-tier oversight system: Tier I requires mitigation plans and training; Tier II adds regular compliance monitoring; Tier III assigns an election monitor with investigative authority; Tier IV allows complete state takeover of election administration

Board must adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2025; board determinations may be appealed through administrative proceedings