Elections; remove Secretary of State from State Election Board; attach to State Accounting Office
Impact
The bill grants the State Election Board the authority to investigate complaints regarding election laws and conduct investigations of the election division of the Secretary of State's office, promoting a more robust accountability structure within election management. Additionally, the Board is empowered to issue letters of instruction and reprimand for technical violations of election laws, introducing a new layer of enforcement mechanisms. This adaptation is anticipated to streamline responses to minor violations while maintaining the ability to handle more serious infractions through traditional legal channels.
Summary
House Bill 1112 aims to amend the existing laws concerning the State Election Board of Georgia by removing the Secretary of State as a member of the Board and administratively attaching the Board to the State Accounting Office. This significant change is intended to enhance the independence of the State Election Board, allowing it greater autonomy in overseeing elections and enforcing election laws. By implementing this separation, proponents argue that the integrity and functionality of election oversight will be improved.
Contention
However, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance of power between different state offices and the potential implications of altering the traditional role of the Secretary of State in election oversight. Critics raise concerns that this change could lead to inconsistencies in the administration of elections and complicate the relationships between state and local election officials. Opponents also posit that removing the Secretary of State from the Board could hinder effective oversight and accountability, particularly if the independence of the Board leads to a lack of cohesion in election management across the state.
Requiring immediate notification of a report of abuse or neglect to a law enforcement agency and providing for law enforcement agencies to request resources from the secretary for children and families.
Requiring the secretary for children and families to notify the parent of a child who is the subject of an investigation of abuse or neglect of such parent's rights during such investigation and to complete a written report upon closing such an investigation, providing for an agreement between the parent of a child and the secretary if such child is removed from the home during an investigation of abuse or neglect and a parent to withhold certain information except when otherwise ordered by a court.