IA HF596

Requires election recounts to be conducted in every precinct where a vote was cast for the contested office, rather than allowing recounts in only specified precincts, with recount requests due by 5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday following an election

Transfers recount authority for statewide offices, General Assembly seats, and federal offices to the state commissioner of elections, who must order recounts within seven days of receiving a valid request when the vote margin is 1% or less

Changes recount board composition to consist of the county commissioner of elections, their staff, and ballot tally employees, while allowing each candidate to appoint up to five observers

Authorizes the state commissioner of elections to halt recounts being conducted improperly, take custody of ballots and equipment, and impose civil penalties up to $25,000 on county commissioners who purposefully violate recount laws

Restructures election contest courts to consist of five district court judges appointed by the chief justice of the supreme court by January 30 of each odd-numbered year, with decisions appealable to the supreme court