SB656 Summary

• Reduces State Election Board from 3 members and 2 alternates to 5 members beginning July 1, 2027, with appointments made by the Governor (3 members requiring Senate confirmation), President Pro Tempore of the Senate (1 member), and Speaker of the House (1 member).

• Requires political party state central committees to submit notarized lists of 10 nominees by January 31, 2027, and every four years thereafter, with the Governor selecting from those lists subject to Senate confirmation.

• Establishes that a majority of board members constitutes a quorum and majority vote is required for board action.

• Changes Secretary of the State Election Board appointment from the Secretary of the Senate to appointment by the State Election Board with Senate confirmation, effective January 1, 2026, with Board establishing the salary beginning January 1, 2026.

• Allows the assistant secretary to serve as Acting Secretary during vacancies and requires the Board to meet no later than July 15, 2027, and every four years thereafter to elect chair and vice chair; repeals provisions on chair and vice chair election procedures; becomes effective November 1, 2025.