Relating to the unlawful altering of election procedures; providing a civil penalty.
If passed, HB 2773 would introduce significant amendments to the Election Code, particularly Section 276.019, detailing the response protocol for violations. Public officials found to be in breach of the stipulated regulations may face a civil penalty that begins at $1,000 per day for non-compliance following a notification, escalating to $5,000 per day after a week. This provision aims to deter any potential misconduct by creating strong financial repercussions for those who disregard or attempt to bypass the lawful election procedures.
House Bill 2773 intends to reinforce the integrity of electoral processes by prohibiting public and election officials from unlawfully altering, creating, modifying, waiving, or suspending any election standards or procedures mandated by law. This measure specifies that any changes made by officials must be expressly authorized by the existing provisions of this code, thereby seeking to close loopholes that could lead to electoral manipulation or impropriety. The bill outlines a structured enforcement mechanism and penalties to ensure compliance with its provisions.
Discussions surrounding the bill may highlight concerns regarding its implications for public officials' discretion in administering elections. Critics may argue that the rigid penalization framework could inadvertently lead to hesitancy in making necessary adjustments for electoral processes, especially in fast-evolving situations. Proponents, however, will likely contend that it's crucial for safeguarding elections against fraud and mismanagement, ensuring all electoral actions are compliant with established legal frameworks.